'30 hours instead of 30 days': Ukraine responds to Russia's Easter ceasefire offer
Photo: Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiga (Vitalii Nosach, RBK-Ukraine)
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Russia has announced a temporary ceasefire for the period of Easter, limiting it to 30 hours. However, Ukraine believes that actions, not words, should be the criterion for assessing readiness for peace.
"Ukraine’s position remains clear and consistent: back in Jeddah on March 11, we agreed unconditionally to the US proposal of a full interim ceasefire for 30 days. Russia refused," the minister noted.
He explained that Russia's refusal to the United States has now lasted for 39 days.
At the same time, Sybiha pointed out that during this period, the Moscow regime has put forward various conditions and intensified its terror against Ukraine, its civilians, and civilian infrastructure across the country.
"Putin has now made statements about his alleged readiness for a cease-fire. 30 hours instead of 30 days. Unfortunately, we have had a long history of his statements not matching his actions. We know his words cannot be trusted and we will look at actions, not words," Sybiha emphasized.
He noted that Russia could agree to the proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire for 30 days at any moment. This proposal has been on the table since March.
"We want to see Russian forces actually cease fire in all directions. We also urge all of our partners and the international community to be vigilant. Only actions, not words, reveal the truth: this war began and continues only because of Russia," he concluded.
Putin’s Easter ceasefire
Earlier today, on April 19, Russia announced a temporary ceasefire for the period of Orthodox Easter, which will be in effect from 6:00 PM, Moscow time, on April 19 to midnight on April 21.
The Kremlin stated that this move is being made for humanitarian reasons and expects that Ukraine will also adhere to the ceasefire. They emphasized that the truce will only be valid if it is "reciprocated by the Kyiv regime," effectively placing the responsibility for any breakdown of the ceasefire on Ukraine.
Almost immediately after the ceasefire announcement, air raid sirens went off across Ukraine, including in Kyiv, due to Russian drone activity.
However, the alarm was canceled in the Ukrainian capital at 6:00 PM Kyiv time.
For more details on the Russian proposal and Ukraine's reaction, read RBC-Ukraine's report.
