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Russian President Vladimir Putin has not ordered an extension of the so-called Easter truce, despite Ukraine’s call for a month’s extension. This was stated by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Sunday, 20 April.
“Putin did not give a command to extend the Easter truce,” the Kremlin spokesman briefly commented.
A day earlier, on 19 April, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed extending the ceasefire for another 30 days, noting that Ukraine had agreed to such an initiative on 11 March during talks with the US in Saudi Arabia.
However, despite Putin’s “Easter truce”, the Russian army continues to attack along the entire frontline. As of 16:00 on 20 April, the Ukrainian Armed Forces recorded at least 46 combat engagements, according to the General Staff.
A truce on paper
The Russian command stated that the so-called ceasefire would last from 18:00 on 19 April until midnight on 21 April. However, according to the Ukrainian military, the enemy has intensified shelling and assaults in key areas, especially in Pokrovske and Siverske. Kamikaze drones and heavy artillery are being used, and the intensity of attacks is increasing.
President Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is ready to observe “mirror silence” if Russia really ceases fire. However, the actions of the occupiers indicate the opposite.
