Zelensky proposes ceasefire ultimatum amid Russian defiance

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has suggested a new approach to resolving the conflict with Russia. In an evening communiqué, he emphasised that Ukraine is prepared for a 30-day ceasefire, which would entail the cessation of all attacks on civilian infrastructure using long-range drones and missiles. "There were no air raid alerts today. Hence, this is a format of ceasefire that has been achieved and that is the easiest to extend," Zelensky conveyed.

Previously, the President of Russia announced an Easter truce, meant to test the intentions of the Ukrainian side. "President Putin emphasized that Ukraine's response will reveal its genuine willingness and ability to engage in peace negotiations," the TASS report states. However, as Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reported, Vladimir Putin did not order the extension of this truce.

The US State Department expressed satisfaction over the possibility of extending the ceasefire beyond the Easter period. Meanwhile, Zelensky emphasized on social media that "since the beginning of the day, the Russian army has violated Putin's ceasefire more than two thousand times." He also added that Russia did not keep its own promise of a ceasefire, and that the lack of response to the Ukrainian proposal is evidence of Russia's desire to continue hostilities.

Zelensky noted that if Russia does not agree to the proposed ceasefire, it will indicate its intention to further destroy human lives and prolong the conflict. "If Russia does not agree to such a step, it will be proof that it intends to continue doing only those things which destroy human lives and prolong the war," wrote the President of Ukraine.