The conflict between Ukraine and Russia remains fraught with tension following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of a brief truce over the Easter holiday. Ukrainian officials aren’t buying the Kremlin’s ceasefire plan. It was reportedly set to begin on midnight Moscow time Saturday and end at midnight Monday. Air raid sirens sounded in Kyiv and many other areas, indicating continued aerial threats. This follows Putin’s announcement of a supposed ceasefire.
Oleksandr Prokudin, head of Kherson’s regional military administration, confirmed the attack on a high-rise building on Telegram. Rockets or drones hit the building in the Dniprovskyi district, starting the fire. This incident exemplifies the precariousness of the situation as Ukrainian forces push back against Russian troops near Toretsk while Russia makes incremental advances around Kupyansk, Lyman, and Kurakhove.
Ongoing Hostilities Amid Proposed Ceasefire
Even as the clock for the truce ticked down to zero, Ukrainian soldiers on three separate front lines were preparing to repel attacks. As the clock ticked down, they saw no signs of easing hostilities. On the evening of March 8, as the shelling had not subsided, Prokudin expressed that Russian or foreign civilians were still at ongoing risk.
“Unfortunately, we do not observe any ceasefire. The shelling continues and civilians are under attack again,” – Oleksandr Prokudin
Ukraine has always been suspicious of temporary halts in hostilities. Kyiv previously rejected a similar proposal for a ceasefire in January 2023. This unprecedented development has raised new suspicion among American officials about exactly what Putin is up to. Many, however, argue that the truce’s brief length leaves little space for substantive negotiations or the time to train or equip.
As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently noted, this was not to be any ordinary ceasefire.
“This will show Russia’s true intentions, because 30 hours is enough for headlines, but not for real confidence-building measures. Thirty days can give peace a chance,” – Volodymyr Zelensky
Skepticism Surrounding Russia’s Commitment
Ukrainian officials have already thrown cold water on the credibility of any Russian commitment to a truce. Andrii Sybiha, senior adviser to Zelensky, underscored the chronological gap between Putin’s words and deeds.
“Unfortunately, we have had a long history of (Putin’s) statements not matching his actions… Russia can agree at any time to the proposal for a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire, which has been on the table since March,” – Andrii Sybiha
The US-led peace efforts are being undercut as Moscow again holds up negotiations. Though welcome, they warn that the newest truce declaration is a tactical gambit from Moscow. They think it’s trying to get good press to greenwash its continuing military offensive.
Zelensky noted that Ukraine would respond in kind to any of Russia’s actions. This assertion rings hollow, particularly as international leaders continue to call for an extended ceasefire.
“If Russia is now suddenly ready to actually join the format of complete and unconditional silence, Ukraine will act in a mirror image, as it will on the Russian side. Silence in response to silence, strikes in defense of strikes,” – Volodymyr Zelensky
Humanitarian Concerns Continue
As many of us know, the war has had a devastating impact on the people of Ukraine. As attacks go on, the humanitarian concerns become more urgent. The recent Kherson fire is a tragic reminder of the fatal risks that come from living in war-affected cities.
Against this chaotic backdrop, Zelensky hailed as welcome news the return home of 277 Ukrainian troops held captive. This is a big step that acknowledges the Ukrainians’ impact on the destructive war. As tensions rise and ceasefires remain elusive, many fear for the safety and security of families displaced by the violence.
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed its forces had pushed Ukrainian troops from one of their last remaining footholds in Russia’s Kursk region, further complicating an already tense situation. With each side preparing for a prolonged struggle, the possibility of durable peace appears far off.
