Volodymyr Zelenskyy skeptical of Vladimir Putin's momentary Easter ceasefire

[ad_1] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed skepticism over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement Saturday that Russia would observe a brief ceasefire throughout the Easter vacation.

After the announcement, Zelenskyy posted on X that air raid alerts had been ringing out across Ukraine , including that Russian assault drones had been detected within the skies.

"Shahed drones in our skies reveal Putin’s true perspective towards Easter and towards human life," he wrote.

The Kremlin on Saturday shared a video during which Putin said, "Guided by humanitarian issues, as we speak from 18:00 to 00:00, from Sunday to Monday, the Russian facet declares an Easter truce.’"

TRUMP SAYS US WILL 'TAKE A PASS' ON UKRAINE PEACE EFFORTS IF RUSSIA REFUSES TO PLAY BALL

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks throughout a briefing in Kyiv, Ukraine. (AP Picture/Efrem Lukatsky)

He later added that Russia had "ignored" the US' proposal for a 30-day truce after Ukraine "responded positively."

"If Russia is now out of the blue prepared to actually interact in a format of full and unconditional silence, Ukraine will act accordingly — mirroring Russia’s actions," Zelenskyy mentioned. "Silence in response to silence, defensive strikes in response to assaults."

He mentioned if an Easter ceasefire truly takes maintain, he proposes extending it.

Russian President Vladimir Putin mentioned Saturday that Russia would observe a brief ceasefire for Easter. (Alexander Kazakov/Sputnik/AFP by way of Getty Photographs)

"That's what will reveal Russia’s true intentions, as a result of 30 hours is sufficient to make headlines, however not for real confidence-building measures," he mentioned. "Thirty days might give peace an opportunity."

FORMER CIA STATION CHIEF SAYS HE DOESN'T SEE PUTIN STOPPING ‘ONSLAUGHT’ AGAINST UKRAINE

Zelenskyy later added on X , "As of now, in response to the Commander-in-Chief experiences, Russian assault operations proceed on a number of frontline sectors, and Russian artillery hearth has not subsided. Due to this fact, there isn't a belief in phrases coming from Moscow. We all know all too effectively how Moscow manipulates, and we're ready for something.

"Ukraine’s Protection Forces will act rationally — responding in sort. Each Russian strike shall be met with an applicable response."

Late Saturday, Zelenskyy wrote that the "Easter statements by Putin didn't lengthen to" the Kursk and Belgorod areas of Ukraine, the place he mentioned "hostilities proceed, and Russian strikes persist. Russian artillery can nonetheless be heard in sure instructions of the entrance, whatever the Russian chief's promise of silence. Russian drones are in use."

He acknowledged, "In some areas, the scenario has grow to be quieter."

Zelenskyy mentioned the "proposal for a full and unconditional 30-day silence stays on the desk — the reply to it should come from Moscow. Ukraine, along with our companions, is able to transfer towards peace as constructively as doable, however similar readiness is required from Russia."

The conflict has raged for greater than three years and value the lives of tens of hundreds of individuals on each side after Russia invaded the sovereign nation in February 2022.

Drone video offered by Ukraine Patrol Police exhibits the devastation in Chasiv Yar, an japanese Ukrainian metropolis Russia is assaulting. (Ukraine Patrol Police by way of AP)

The announcement of a brief ceasefire comes after President Donald Trump on Thursday mentioned an 80-page minerals deal shall be signed with Ukraine in a single week. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent later mentioned it could possible be signed April 26.

Particulars on the settlement nonetheless stay comparatively unknown, although latest reporting by Bloomberg has advised the U.S. has eased again its calls for for reimbursement for its assist in Ukraine’s combat towards Russia from $300 billion to $100 billion.

On Friday, Trump mentioned the U.S. will "simply take a move" at peace efforts for Ukraine if Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses to comply with ceasefire phrases.

President Donald Trump with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Feb. 28 on the White Home in Washington, D.C. (Reuters/Nathan Howard)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

"If, for some purpose, one of many two events makes it very troublesome, we're simply going to say, 'You are silly, you are fools, you are horrible folks,' and we'll simply take a move," Trump advised reporters. "However hopefully we can't have to do this."