"Russia Announces '30-Hour Ceasefire' a Day After US Warning"

Putin Announces 'Easter Ceasefire'

Zelensky: "Ceasefire Should Last 30 Days"

Just a day after the US warned it might step back from mediating the end of the conflict, Russia unilaterally announced a '30-hour ceasefire'. Ukraine emphasized that Russia is ignoring US mediation efforts and suggested extending the ceasefire.

According to AP, AFP, and TASS, on the 19th (local time), Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a meeting with Russian military Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov at the Kremlin, stated, "Russia declares an Easter ceasefire from 18:00 today (Moscow local time) until 00:00 on the 21st."

He added, "We expect the Ukrainian side to follow our example," and "At the same time, our military must be prepared to respond to any ceasefire violations, provocations, or any form of aggressive actions."

A day after the 'warning' from the Trump administration, President Putin issued the ceasefire order. Last month, Ukraine and Russia had agreed in principle to a 'partial ceasefire' mediated by the US, but Russia's continued demands for preconditions have effectively stalled the implementation of the partial ceasefire, leading to growing dissatisfaction from Ukraine and Europe.

President Trump, during a Q&A with reporters the previous day, said, "If one of the two parties (Russia and Ukraine) makes the situation very difficult, we will say, 'You're a fool. We decline (further mediation efforts).'" He added, "However, we hope we don't have to do that," emphasizing, "We want to see the end (of the war)."

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also pressured both Russia and Ukraine, stating that the US might step back from its mediation role if there is no progress in peace negotiations, following a meeting with Europe and Ukraine in Paris, France, on the same day.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce positively evaluated the results of the Paris meeting, stating, "It shows that peace is possible if all parties commit to reaching an agreement." Bruce also emphasized, "The civilized world is now watching to see if Russia is truly serious."

Considering Ukraine's repeated expressions of willingness to implement the ceasefire, some analysts suggest that Russia, which was reluctant to implement the ceasefire, felt pressured by the US's repeated warning statements. If the US changes its stance, Russia's efforts to lift Western sanctions through peace negotiations could be in vain.

Ukraine responded skeptically to President Putin's announcement and counter-proposed extending the ceasefire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) after the ceasefire announced by President Putin, stated, "If a complete ceasefire is maintained, Ukraine proposes extending the ceasefire beyond Easter on the 20th."

He emphasized, "30 hours may be enough to make headlines, but it's insufficient for genuine confidence-building measures," adding, "30 days is an opportunity to attempt peace." He reiterated the call to implement the US mediation plan.

President Zelensky claimed, "According to the current report from the Commander-in-Chief, Russia's offensive operations continue on some fronts, and shelling has not stopped." He also pointed out, "Russia has not responded to the unconditional 30-day ceasefire proposal for the 39th day. The US made this proposal, and Ukraine responded positively, but Russia ignored it."

He further emphasized, "If Russia is now suddenly ready to genuinely engage in a complete and unconditional ceasefire, Ukraine will act according to Russia's actions," adding, "We will respond to silence with silence and to aggression with defense."

Reporter Park Subin, Hankyung.com waterbean@hankyung.com