Ukraine hands Russia proposal to extend ceasefire beyond Orthodox Easter – Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Ukraine has proposed to Russia that the ceasefire be extended beyond Orthodox Easter, which falls on 12 April this year, and stressed that Ukraine's defence forces will respond if Russia violates the truce.
Source: Zelenskyy in his evening address
Quote: "We had detailed discussions yesterday and today with the Commander-in-Chief, the Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, and the Security Service of Ukraine regarding the ceasefire currently in effect for Easter. Ukraine has proposed this more than once, and it would be good if it truly works. Easter should be a time of security and peace. It would be right for a ceasefire to continue beyond the holiday. We have conveyed this proposal to Russia."
Details: Zelenskyy noted that if Russia once again chooses war over peace, "it will yet again show the world, and the United States in particular, who truly stands for what".
He also reiterated that "Ukraine will act symmetrically".
Zelenskyy said: "If there are no Russian strikes, there will be no response from us. We remember how it was in similar situations before, and we clearly understand who we are dealing with. If there are no Russian missiles or drones, we will also observe a ceasefire in the skies. The same task is set for the front line. But every Ukrainian unit retains the right to respond."
"As for the possibility of extending the ceasefire, the signal has been delivered to the Russians," he said.
Background:
- The Kremlin announced that Russian ruler Vladimir Putin has declared an "Easter truce" lasting one and a half days.
- Zelenskyy said Ukraine will take "symmetrical steps" in response to the "Easter truce" declared by Putin.
- On 11 April, Zelenskyy said he and Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, have determined the parameters of the response to possible violations of the ceasefire by Russian forces.
- At about 16:00 on 11 April, Kremlin-aligned Russian news agencies said the "Easter truce" declared by Russia has come into effect and will last until the end of 12 April.
- Ukraine's General Staff has said the defence forces will observe a ceasefire on land, at sea and in the air during Orthodox Easter but will respond in kind to Russia's actions.
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