Putin's Easter truce offer questioned by Ukrainian officials
Vladimir Putin proposed an "Easter truce" to be in effect for the next few days, anticipating similar actions from Ukraine. "Why for 30 hours and not an unconditional ceasefire, as proposed by partners since March 11?" asks Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Anti-Disinformation Center in Ukraine.
What do you need to know?
- Vladimir Putin proposed an "Easter truce" for the next two days.
- The Russian leader also calls for similar action from the Ukrainians.
- Ukrainian official Andriy Kovalenko questions why Putin doesn't agree to a long-term ceasefire proposed since March.
During a meeting with the military command at the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin announced a ceasefire for the Easter holidays.
"Guided by humanitarian considerations, today from 6 p.m. to 00 a.m. from Sunday to Monday, the Russian side announces an Easter truce," Putin said.
He added that he expects a similar move from Kyiv and noted that the Russian military would remain ready in case of "provocations."
Ukrainians: Why not an unconditional ceasefire?
"And why for 30 hours and not an unconditional ceasefire, as proposed by partners since March 11?" wrote Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Anti-Disinformation Center at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, on Telegram.
This is not the first time Putin has proposed a holiday truce. In January 2023, he announced a ceasefire for Orthodox Christmas. However, the Russians did not stop shelling, leading to civilian casualties.
Since March, Americans have proposed a 30-day ceasefire to both sides. Ukraine agreed, provided the Russians also wanted an agreement. However, Moscow is critical, and Russia's permanent representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, stated that under current conditions, a ceasefire is "unrealistic."
