Thirty hours of ceasefire looks unrealistic to achievepublished at 18:35 British Summer Time 19 April
Zhanna Bezpiatchuk
BBC Ukrainian Service reporter
I’ve read the news about Putin’s declaration of the
Easter ceasefire just right at the moment that Kyiv’s air defence was
trying to shoot down Russia’s drone over a residential
area.
Half an hour before what Russia’s leader called a “30-hour ceasefire”, explosions were heard by people carrying Easter cakes and eggs
in the Ukrainian capital.
They trust this loud, chilling sound more than
any declarations or promises from Putin, whose army invaded Ukraine and continues
to barrage its territories on his order.
It’s still not clear if Ukraine’s President Zelensky
accepts this ceasefire.
It’s worth remembering that over a month ago Ukraine agreed
to declare 30-day unconditional ceasefire.
Obviously, the offer was turned down by Russia.
Instead over a month later Putin made a proposal which is unclear both
technically and politically.
It’s not clear whether it’s unconditional and comprehensive
or not. It’s not clear if the Ukrainian side was informed in
advance.
But within the first hour of that 30-hour period the State
Center for Countering Disinformation informed that Russian forces continue to
fire in all main directions.
Thirty hours of the ceasefire looks unrealistic to achieve any
real progress. But it might be enough to persuade the US to stay on board of peace
talks.
When my mother asked me what Putin’s ceasefire means, I
had to give an honest answer. For now, it is just Putin’s declaration on
camera.
