Importance Score: 75 / 100 🔴
Zelensky Accuses Russia of Thousands of Truce Violations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Vladimir Putin’s declared Easter truce has been breached over 2,000 times, casting doubt on Moscow’s commitment to de-escalation amidst ongoing conflict. Russia had announced a temporary cessation of hostilities from 4:00 PM BST yesterday to 10:00 PM BST today; however, reports indicate that assaults have continued.
Initial Skepticism and Continued Hostilities
The announced truce was initially met with reservation. Andriy Sybiha, Ukraine’s foreign minister, voiced apprehension, stating, “Putin has now issued declarations regarding his purported readiness for a ceasefire – 30 hours instead of 30 days. Regrettably, we possess a lengthy history of his pronouncements not aligning with his actions. We desire to witness Russian forces genuinely cease fire in all sectors. We further implore all our allies and the global community to maintain vigilance.”
Addressing the nation this evening, President Zelensky affirmed that the purported truce had not materialized, with Russian forces persisting in the bombardment of Ukrainian cities and frontlines.
Details of Alleged Russian Attacks
“There have already been 67 Russian assaults against our positions across various directions, with the highest concentration in the Pokrovsk area,” Zelensky reported.
He further detailed, “A total of 1,355 instances of Russian shelling were recorded, 713 of which involved heavy weaponry. Russian forces also deployed first-person-view drones (FPVs) 673 times.”
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Ukraine Proposes Extended Ceasefire
Despite the alleged truce violations, Zelensky has proposed to the Kremlin a more extended cessation of combat, suggesting an extension of Putin’s 30-hour offer to a 30-day pause in hostilities.
Zelensky offered to “halt all strikes employing long-range drones and missiles on civilian infrastructure for a minimum of 30 days.”
Implications of Russia’s Response
He asserted, “Should Russia decline to agree to such a measure, it will serve as evidence that it intends to persist solely with actions that destroy human lives and prolong the war.”
Kremlin Rejects Accusations
Russia has refuted these claims, asserting that the truce was upheld throughout the designated period.
The Kremlin alleges that Ukrainian forces targeted Russian positions 444 times, while also reporting 900 drone attacks from the Ukrainian side.
US Stance on Peace Negotiations
This truce attempt occurs shortly after the United States signaled a potential shift in approach, suggesting they might “take a pass” if a swift peace agreement is not achieved in the ongoing conflict.
The US administration has prioritized securing peace between the two nations as a central objective since assuming office and has engaged in discussions with both parties.
However, previous accords and ceasefires have faltered, including an agreement concerning the non-targeting of energy infrastructure, which Russia allegedly violated within minutes of its agreement.