France slams Russia's Easter truce as PR stunt for Trump

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot commented on Russia's statements regarding the Easter ceasefire, calling it a marketing operation.

He emphasized the numerous violations of the ceasefire, although there was a general decrease in the use of drones and long-range missiles.

Barrot said that Russia had declared a ceasefire on the occasion of Easter, but that this was only an attempt to direct diplomatic efforts so that US President Donald Trump does not become impatient.

He emphasized that real steps toward peace must come from Russia, noting in particular that it has been more than a month since Ukraine proposed a ceasefire in the sea, air, and energy infrastructure based on the Franco-British proposal.

In response to speculation that a possible deal between Russia and Ukraine was supposed to take place this week, Barrot said that discussions are ongoing and noted that talks will continue in London.

He also emphasized the importance of compromise and courage on the part of Ukraine, which accepted the US proposal for a 30-day general ceasefire.

The French Foreign Minister added that the issue of peace should now be raised directly with Vladimir Putin, as it is Russia that must take the appropriate steps to reach a peace agreement.

Easter truce

On April 19, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin initiated the so-called ceasefire. It was announced from 6 p.m. on April 19 to midnight on April 21. But despite Putin's decree, Russian occupiers did not stop shelling the positions of Ukrainian troops at the front, as well as settlements and civilians.

At the same time, according to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia intensified shelling at the front on the morning of April 20. Russians were most active on the Pokrovsk and Siversk sectors.

Read more about what is known about the Easter truce and how Ukraine and the West reacted to it in RBC-Ukraine.