photo: Time Ukraine Israel
Easter Truce or Another Show?
On 19 April 2025, Putin declared the so-called “Easter truce” in the war against Ukraine, which he said was supposed to stop hostilities for the holidays. However, on the same evening, Russian troops attacked a residential building in Kherson, and Zelenskyy responded: “Ukraine will act in a mirror image – the way it will be on the Russian side.”
“This is not a ceasefire, it’s just another stunt for the TV cameras,” comments US Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, who left a “personal message” for Putin on a live shell during a visit to the frontline. Fitzpatrick’s scepticism is shared by Republican Wilson, who called the initiative “fake”. In this context, Putin resembles Pinocchio, who promises gold coins but scatters sawdust instead.
“His words are empty promises, as always,” said German Foreign Minister Annalena Burbock, commenting on Putin’s ceasefire announcement. Indeed, the Kremlin’s promises of peace sound like the old Pinocchio song: “I’m merry, I’m clever, I’m made of wood!” – but behind this melody are new attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Trump’s Puppet Master or Victim of His Own Illusions?
Recent months have brought a wave of speculation about Putin’s influence on the new Donald Trump administration. Putin’s special envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, held talks with Steve Witkoff, Trump’s representative, in Washington on 3 April 2025. Vitkoff called the talks “convincing,” hinting at a possible ceasefire.
“Putin is manipulating Trump,” say American analysts, who see these contacts as an attempt by the Kremlin to dictate the terms of peace. But is Putin really a puppeteer pulling the strings of the White House? Political analyst Denisenko thinks not: “Putin is talking about peace to sow chaos in Ukraine, but his strategy is a tactical move, not a victory.”
Interestingly, Trump himself accused Putin of delaying the negotiations: “He is deliberately slowing down, hoping to buy time.” In this game, Putin is like Pinocchio, boasting of his cunning to Karabas-Barabas, but not noticing how he himself is getting tangled up in his own threads.
“Orestechnik and Pinocchio’s Nuclear Nose
One of the biggest stories in recent months was Putin’s announcement that he would use a new Oreshnik ballistic missile to strike the Dnipro River. Zelenskyy called it “pressure on Trump,” while US intelligence assured that the risk of nuclear escalation remains low.
“Putin claims that the decision-making centres in Kyiv are his target, but this is just a scarecrow,” comments military expert Serhiy Zgurets. “Oreshnik does not have the potential that the Kremlin boasts about.” In this situation, Putin resembles Pinocchio, whose nose grows with each new lie, but instead of laughing, it causes anxiety.
Commenting on Putin’s “prayer for Trump”, the Polish theologian added: “If he asks God but does not stop killing, his pleas are in vain.” This metaphor perfectly describes Putin’s Pinocchio paradox: he wants to appear powerful, but his actions only highlight his weakness.
Western Balkans as a New Theatre of Karabakh
While the world’s attention is focused on Ukraine, Putin sees the Western Balkans as his “next playground”. Leaders in the region and the United Kingdom fear that the Kremlin will use local tensions to destabilise Europe.
“Putin sees the fissures and seeks to widen them,” says a British analyst, comparing Russia’s actions to a puppeteer looking for new scenes for his theatre. But will Pinocchio have the strength to manage several performances at once?
Pinocchio at the Crossroads
Putin the Pinocchio remains a mystery: is he a puppet of his own ambitions, or a puppeteer who is losing control of the threads? The latest news shows that his “truce” is just a set-up, and “Oreshnik” is a prop for intimidation.
“Putin plays war like chess, but forgets that the board can turn over.”
For Ukraine and the world, the image of Putin the Pinocchio is a reminder that real threats lurk behind colourful performances. And if the wooden boy doesn’t learn to be honest, his nose can grow to catastrophic proportions.
Author : Marianna Nyzhnia
