Zelensky pledges defense: Silence if Russia silences attacks
If Russia is now suddenly ready to truly engage in a format of full and unconditional silence, Ukraine will act accordingly — mirroring Russia’s actions. Silence in response to silence, defensive strikes in response to attacks, announced the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.
What do you need to know?
- Ceasefire proposal: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed a 30-day, full, and unconditional ceasefire, which has remained unanswered by Russia for 39 days.
- Ukraine's reaction: Ukraine is prepared to respond with silence to silence, but Russian assaults continue on some sections of the front.
- Kyiv's stance: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine emphasizes that judgments of Russia will be based on actions, not declarations.
President Zelensky, in a statement published on Saturday evening on Telegram, reported that the proposal for a 30-day, full, and unconditional ceasefire has gone unanswered by Russia for 39 days.
Earlier, Vladimir Putin called for an "Easter truce." He announced that Russia will "stop all military activity" from Saturday evening through Sunday.
Zelensky: Silence in response to silence, strikes only in defense
The United States made this proposal, Ukraine responded positively, but Russia ignored it, he reminded.
If Russia is now suddenly ready to truly engage in a format of full and unconditional silence, Ukraine will act accordingly — mirroring Russia’s actions. Silence in response to silence, defensive strikes in response to attacks. If a complete ceasefire truly takes hold, Ukraine proposes extending it beyond the Easter day of April 20. That is what will reveal Russia’s true intentions — because 30 hours is enough to make headlines, but not for genuine confidence-building measures. Thirty days could give peace a chance, Zelensky emphasized.
Zelensky: There will be an appropriate response to every Russian attack
Zelensky noted that, according to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, Russian assault operations are ongoing on some sections of the front, and artillery shelling does not cease.
Therefore, there is no trust in words coming from Moscow. We know all too well how Moscow manipulates, and we are prepared for anything. Ukraine’s Defense Forces will act rationally — responding in kind. Every Russian strike will be met with an appropriate response, Zelensky emphasized.
The President of Ukraine expects two additional reports from Oleksandr Syrskyi, who is gathering information from brigade and unit commanders at the front.
A senior officer of the Ukrainian Armed Forces previously conveyed to the BBC that his unit, like others, received an order to cease fire towards Russian positions just moments after the "Easter truce" announced by Russia began.
In response to Putin's proposal, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine issued a statement. Kyiv responded directly: "we look at the deeds, not the words."
