Zelensky Calls on Trump to Mediate Easter Ceasefire with Putin
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced he will ask United States mediators to relay Kyiv's offer of an Easter ceasefire targeting strikes on energy infrastructure to Russia. This move follows Kremlin statements indicating a lack of detailed proposals from Ukraine.
Zelensky emphasised that Ukraine is prepared to halt attacks on Russian oil and energy facilities if Moscow reciprocates by ceasing assaults on Ukrainian energy systems. "I will definitely convey this proposal to the US tomorrow, and I will definitely ask them to pass it on to the Russian side," Zelensky stated. "If they attack us, we will respond. If they agree to stop the attacks on our energy infrastructure, we will reciprocate."
Moscow's Response and Ultimatum
In response, Russian officials expressed scepticism about the truce idea. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Moscow had not seen any clearly formulated initiative regarding an Easter ceasefire from Zelensky. "Zelensky must take responsibility and make the appropriate decision so that we achieve peace, not merely a ceasefire," Peskov added, warning that delays would increase the cost of peace for Ukraine.
Simultaneously, Zelensky revealed that Russia has set a two-month deadline for Ukraine to voluntarily withdraw from the Donbas region as a condition for ending the war. He stated that the Kremlin has made the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the east a precondition for a ceasefire on the frontlines. "Russians have informed the American side that they intend to seize Donbas within two months. If Ukraine does not leave Donbas by that time, the terms of peace will change," Zelensky said.
Regional Tensions and Accusations
Moscow has also suggested it will attack European countries that allow Ukraine to use their airspace to send drones to attack Russia. Peskov indicated that Russia would respond if other nations permit such actions, particularly concerning drone attacks on Russian Baltic ports.
Ukraine, however, accused Russia of deliberately redirecting drones towards Baltic nations and Finland to create regional tensions. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Ukraine has intelligence data confirming these were targeted actions by Russia. "We have intelligence data confirming that in all these cases, these were deliberate and targeted actions by Russia," Sybiha said during a press conference in Kyiv alongside EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
Diplomatic Moves and International Reactions
Zelensky is scheduled to meet with US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, along with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, in a virtual interaction to discuss peace negotiations. This comes as Ukraine criticises Hungary's alleged collusion with Russia on EU sanctions, with Foreign Minister Sybiha calling it a "disgrace" following a leaked audio clip of discussions between Hungarian and Russian officials.
Meanwhile, a fire at a petrochemicals plant in Russia's Tatarstan region killed at least three people, including a firefighter, and injured dozens. In Crimea, a Russian military transport plane crash claimed 29 lives due to a suspected technical malfunction. Additionally, Ukrainian drone attacks continue to target Russian infrastructure, with recent strikes damaging the Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga and causing injuries.
Zelensky rebuffed Kremlin threats over Ukrainian territory, asserting that Russia's long-term goals extend beyond Donbas. "I'm surprised anyone can believe this," he said, highlighting Ukraine's commitment to a diplomatic solution but insisting on a ceasefire based on current positions.
