Russia will continue military operations against Ukraine after the end of the Easter truce, which was declared by Moscow for 36 hours from 16:00 on 11 April and until the end of the day on 12 April. This was announced by Kremlin spokesman Dmitriy Peskov.
According to Peskov, Russia needs “sustainable peace,” but it “can come when we secure our interests, achieve the goals that were set from the very beginning.”
The Kremlin spokesman claims that this is hindered by the position of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky.
Earlier, Peskov noted that “the disagreement between Moscow and Kiev on the territorial issue consists of only a few kilometres” and explained what is meant by the 17-18% (according to Russian claims) of the territory of the Donetsk region that remains in Ukrainian hands.
Russia has long demanded the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from these areas. This would mean bringing the entire territory of Donbass, including strategically important fortified areas, under Moscow’s jurisdiction.
Ukraine does not agree to such concessions and seeks international guarantees for its security – in case of renewed Russian aggression.
Zelensky earlier backed the Easter truce and suggested it be extended.
“We made this proposal to Russia, and if Russia again chooses war instead of peace, it will once again demonstrate to the world, and in particular to the United States, who and what it really wants,” the Ukrainian president said.