Zelensky Critiques Putin's Easter Truce Offer as Manipulative
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Synopsis
Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a 30-hour Easter ceasefire in Ukraine, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky views skeptically as a manipulation of human lives. Despite the announcement, air raid alerts continue to blare across Ukraine, raising doubts about the sincerity of the ceasefire.
Key Takeaways
- Putin declares a 30-hour Easter ceasefire.
- Zelensky expresses strong skepticism regarding Russia's motives.
- Air raid alerts continue during the proposed truce.
- Significant prisoner swap occurs on the same day.
- Past ceasefire attempts around holidays have failed.
Kyiv, April 20 (NationPress) Russian President Vladimir Putin unveiled an unexpected ceasefire, proclaiming a 30-hour Easter truce in Ukraine that is scheduled to last until midnight on Sunday. In reaction, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky conveyed doubts, asserting that this is merely another attempt by Russia to toy with human lives.
The initiative, which signifies one of the most notable pauses in the three-year conflict, was characterized by Putin as a humanitarian gesture.
Zelensky expressed profound skepticism, accusing the Kremlin of exploiting religious holidays to sway public opinion.
"Regarding yet another effort by Putin to play with human lives -- at this moment, air raid alerts are spreading across Ukraine," Zelensky stated on X.
"Shahed (attack) drones in our skies expose Putin's genuine attitude toward Easter and human life."
During a televised meeting with Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov, Putin declared that Russian forces would suspend combat activities from 6:00 PM Saturday until midnight Sunday. While urging Ukraine to respond in kind, Putin also directed troops to remain vigilant against possible violations or provocations.
The announcement coincided with loud air raid sirens resonating across major Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, which only quieted around the time the ceasefire was meant to commence. Ukrainian officials have not verified whether they would comply with the truce.
Zelensky dismissed the ceasefire as yet another maneuver by Moscow.
“Putin may do this to provide some hope or to display his humanity. But regardless, we certainly do not trust Russia,” remarked Dmitry, a 40-year-old Ukrainian soldier. “These 30 hours will yield nothing… The killings will persist.”
Despite the prevailing skepticism, Russia and Ukraine executed a significant prisoner exchange on the same day, with both sides confirming the return of 246 captured soldiers each. Zelensky highlighted that the total number of Ukrainian POWs released has now reached 4,552.
Putin positioned the truce as a test of Kyiv’s readiness to engage in peace discussions, stating, “This will demonstrate how genuine the Kyiv regime’s desire and capability are to adhere to agreements.”
Previous attempts to establish ceasefires during major holidays, such as Easter in 2022 and Orthodox Christmas in 2023, failed due to mutual distrust and ongoing hostilities.
A month earlier, Ukraine accepted a 30-day ceasefire suggested by former US President Donald Trump, but Moscow refused.
