Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine has a clear and consistent stance regarding the situation with a ceasefire, particularly in the context of recent negotiations with the United States and events surrounding the possible truce
According to him, Ukraine adhered to an agreement with the US on March 11 to a complete and temporary ceasefire for thirty days. However, Russia refused to fulfill this agreement, and since then, 39 days have passed. Ukraine continues to monitor Kremlin actions, as, in the minister's opinion, Russian leadership’s words should not be taken at face value due to their inconsistency and their desire to hide true intentions behind empty statements. "Ukraine's position remains clear and consistent: on March 11 in Jeddah, we unconditionally agreed to the US proposal for a full temporary ceasefire for 30 days. Russia refused, and that refusal has now lasted over 39 days. During this time, we have witnessed how the Moscow regime intensifies terror and armed aggression against Ukraine, deliberately destroying civilian infrastructure and jeopardizing the lives and safety of peaceful residents. Recently, statements have appeared from Russian leadership suggesting a willingness to cease fire. But these are only 30-hour 'promises,' with no real steps taken. We remember that Putin’s words often do not align with his actions. Ukraine will rely not on words but on concrete actions and is eagerly awaiting real proof that Russia genuinely aims to stop fighting." Andriy Sybiha stressed that Russia could at any moment agree to the proposal for an unconditional and full 30-day ceasefire, which has been on the agenda multiple times. However, he pointed out that the key factor is actions, not words: "We want to see specifically how Russian troops cease fire on all fronts, which is why we call on our international partners and the entire world to remain vigilant. Only practical steps can reveal Russia’s true intentions, because this war started with Russia, and it is Russia that supports and continues it." In light of the predictable refusals and pretenses from Moscow, Ukrainian diplomats insist that it will be real actions, not empty words, that determine the future situation. In this context, particularly important is the control and pressure from the international community to compel Russia to fulfill its commitments regarding a ceasefire and reduce tensions in the region. It is worth recalling that at the end of last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a so-called "Easter truce," which supposedly would begin on the evening of April 19 and last until midnight on April 21. Official Moscow claims that the aggressors will adhere to the ceasefire regime if Kyiv’s authorities reciprocate with respect. However, the Ukrainian side’s response was unequivocal: President Zelensky called these statements provocative and baseless, especially considering the regular armed attacks by Russians during this period. Notably, shortly after announcing the "truce," militants carried out another drone attack, which serves as evidence of the Kremlin’s true attitude toward human life and the Easter holidays. Zelensky emphasized that such actions ignore not only human values but also any desire for peace, relying solely on empty promises.