Zelensky calls for 30‑day ceasefire, urges Russia to respond
Volodymyr Zelensky proposes a 30-day ceasefire, which includes halting attacks on civilian infrastructure. This move is a response to Russia's violations of the truce.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has proposed a new solution in the ongoing conflict with Russia. In an evening communication, he emphasized that Ukraine is ready for a 30-day ceasefire, which would include halting 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.
Will Russia agree to Ukraine's proposal?
Earlier, the President of Russia announced an Easter truce, which was supposed to be a test of the Ukrainian side's intentions. "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 spokesperson Dmitry Peskov mentioned, Vladimir Putin did not issue an order to extend this truce.
The U.S. reaction to Zelensky’s proposal
The U.S. Department of State expressed satisfaction with 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 continue destroying human lives and prolonging 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.
