Zelenskyy: Ukraine Will Honor Ceasefire If Russia Does the Same

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine would respond in kind and observe a ceasefire, provided that Russia genuinely upholds the truce, Orda.kz reports.

The Ukrainian leader also proposed extending the ceasefire beyond the Easter weekend.

If complete silence truly reigns, Ukraine proposes to extend it beyond the Easter period on April 20. This would demonstrate Russia’s true intentions because 30 hours are enough for headlines, but not for genuine confidence-building measures. Thirty days could give peace a chance,
 Zelenskyy stated.

He reminded that the United States had previously proposed a 30-day complete ceasefire to both sides. Ukraine agreed to these terms back on March 11 in Jeddah, but, according to Zelenskyy, Russia has not responded to the offer — for 39 days now.

Zelenskyy also noted that the situation on the front remains tense. According to a report from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Russia continues assault operations in several areas, and artillery fire has not ceased.

There is still no trust in the words coming out of Moscow. We know well how the Kremlin manipulates. But if the silence is maintained — Ukraine will support it. And our defense forces will act rationally, but are ready to respond to any attack,
 Zelenskyy concluded.

The BBC reports that, along with the ceasefire order, Ukrainian troops have been instructed to document all violations of the truce, collecting photographic and video evidence.

Original Author: Rustam Muratov