The Kremlin has commented on the idea of an Easter truce
The Kremlin has responded to a possible initiative to introduce a “ceasefire” for Easter. Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had not made a clear proposal regarding an Easter truce.
This was reported with reference to Russian media and a report by the Institute for the Study of War.
"As always, he spoke of his readiness and willingness to agree to a ceasefire, any ceasefire, even an Easter one. We repeat once again: Zelenskyy must take responsibility and make the necessary decisions so that we achieve peace, not just a ceasefire," Peskov said.
Zelenskyy’s Statement on an Easter
Ceasefire Yesterday, March 30, the Ukrainian president answered questions about whether Kyiv would offer the aggressor country an Easter ceasefire and what international guarantees would be needed to ensure that Russia “does not use the pause to strengthen its military positions.”
“We have supported any format for ending the war, as you know, but as long as we do not lose the dignity and independence of our state, and a ceasefire—any format, as we have already discussed today, whether comprehensive or limited—we are ready for a ceasefire during the Easter holidays,” he emphasized.
Commenting on the potential risks of the aggressor country strengthening its military positions during the Easter ceasefire, Zelenskyy noted that “in two or three days, they won’t be able to strengthen anything.”
The Kremlin is not interested in a ceasefire
The Institute for the Study of War noted in its report that Ukraine continues to offer concessions and demonstrate a willingness to negotiate with Russia. In contrast, the Kremlin demonstrates its lack of interest in a ceasefire or negotiations to end the war.
"Zelenskyy continues to make concessions and demonstrate Ukraine’s readiness for diplomatic dialogue and commitments to an unconditional ceasefire, while Russia continues to demonstrate that it is not interested in a ceasefire or in good-faith negotiations to end the war," the report states.
It is noted that Grigory Karasin, chairman of the Russian Federation Council’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, responded to Zelenskyy’s remarks regarding an Easter truce by saying that the Ukrainian president’s statements “should not be taken seriously.”
The Kremlin acknowledgesthe lack of progress on territorial issues in the negotiations.
As a reminder, the Kremlin has expressed hope for new negotiations with Ukraine.
The Kremlin also commented on the upcoming talks in the U.S. without Russia’s participation.
