The European Union insists that genuine signs of a cessation of Russian aggression against Ukraine must be established first, stated European Commission spokesperson Anita Hipper in a comment to Reuters regarding Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s announcement of a 30-hour ceasefire for Easter.
This is reported by Kyiv24
EU Demands for Ceasefire Conditions
“Russia has a reputation as an aggressor, so we must first see a real cessation of aggression and clear actions for a lasting ceasefire. Russia can stop this war at any moment if it truly wants to… We continue to support Ukraine in achieving a lasting, just, and comprehensive peace,” she noted (quote from Reuters).
Putin’s Statement and Ukraine’s Reaction
On April 19, the Kremlin officially announced an “Easter ceasefire,” under which the Russian side would “halt all hostilities from 6:00 PM on April 19 to 12:00 AM on April 21.” At the same time, Vladimir Putin added that Russian troops must be prepared to repel “possible violations of the ceasefire.”
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on the morning of April 20 that Russian forces were not adhering to the announced 30-hour ceasefire declared by the Russian leader.