Putin's ceasefire under pressure: Selenskyj remains skeptical despite hope

Putin's ceasefire under pressure: Selenskyj remains skeptical despite hope

The Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj has reported on continuing battles on Russian soil today, while artillery shot along the front lines in Ukraine are still listed. Despite these developments, Selenskyj has admitted that the situation has calmed down in some areas. These statements come at a time when Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin has announced a 30-hour break that refers to the front in Ukraine. The ceasefire announced by Putin should apply until midnight on Easter Sunday.

In his statement, Selenskyj pointed out that the conflict in the Russian border regions of Kursk and Belgorod have been on the subject of Ukrainian troops. At the same time, the Russian attacks in these regions continue. Military information from Kiev cannot initially be checked independently, but Russian artillery and drones remain active on various front sections.

fire break and their implications

Selenskyj expressed his skepticism about Putin's announcement and described the procedure as a cynical game. He emphasized the need for a real ceasefire and explained that Ukraine would only stop fire if Russia actually adhere to such. This is not the first ceasefire that Russia has been calling for since the beginning of the conflict - the first took place during the Orthodox Christmas in January 2023.

Putin justified the fire break with humanitarian considerations, but experts analyze that this could also be a signal of the will of peace compared to the United States. It remains unclear to what extent both sides will actually stick to the ceasefire. After the announcement of the Russian President, alarms occurred in several Ukrainian regions, while the artillery fire continued on the Donbass front, which underlines Selenskyj's skepticism.

negotiations and political dynamics

At the same time, intensive negotiations on long -term ceasefire are running. According to reports, Ukraine has accepted an American proposal for a peace agreement for 90 percent while Russia rejected it. A meeting in London is intended to present this proposal as a "last offer" to Russia. In these negotiations, the exchange of prisoners of war is also relevant, in which 277 Ukrainian military members have returned.

One of the central questions raised in the negotiations concerns the Crimea. According to reports, the United States could recognize Crimea as Russian territory as part of a peace agreement, but this is decidedly rejected by Europe and Ukraine. The current situation is therefore characterized by uncertainty and poses the danger that the fights will continue despite formal breaks.

Selenskyj remains optimistic and confirmed the willingness of Ukraine to an unconditional 30-day break. How the situation will develop remains to be seen while both sides position themselves on the battlefield and at the negotiating table.

For more information about the ongoing developments in the Ukraine conflict, you can Radio Ennepe Ruhr , NZZ Visit.