Unraveling Putin's Ceasefire: Can Russia's Three-Day Truce in Ukraine Last?
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Three-day pause in conflict between Putin and Ukraine initiates - Russia-proposed truce in Ukraine commences: Three-day cessation of hostilities initiated
The 72-hour truce announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin has supposedly begun last night, as per Russian media outlets. The truce came into effect on the anniversary of the "Great Victory," the surrender of Nazi Germany in May 1945, reported by Ria Novosti. However, the truce's durability remains questionable.
Apparent Calm Post-Ceasefire, Yet Tension Remains
The nights passed surveillance-free of large-scale drone assaults after the truce was initiated. Initial reports indicated no attacks on either Ukrainian or Russian sides upon sunrise, despite the occasional air alerts during the night. There were no immediate reported damages caused by new drone attacks. Nevertheless, Ukrainian military forces allegedly faced air strikes in the eastern Ukrainian region of Sumy. Further assessment regarding the truce's adherence and any damages or casualties is pending.
On the eve of the truce, both sides endured widespread drone attacks, and occasional rocket and cruise missile strikes. Russia claimed a record-breaking 524 Ukrainian drone assaults, extensively disrupting civilian aviation. Delays and cancellations stranded over 60,000 passengers.
Ukraine Views Ceasefire as Political Maneuver
The truce declared by Putin is supposed to end on May 10, 2025, at midnight. Despite Ukraine's non-acceptance of this temporary truce, they instead advocate for an extended 30-day ceasefire. During a previous short-lived ceasefire announced by Russia during Easter festivities, Ukraine documented hundreds of allegations of Russian infringements.
US President Trump has been advocating for a ceasefire in the Russo-Ukrainian conflict since taking office in January, yet Putin has rejected a joint US-Ukraine ceasefire proposal in March.
Analysis
Unverified reports suggest that Russian forces have violated the truce in areas such as Siversk and regions around Kurakhove, repeatedly attacking multiple locations despite the ceasefire's commencement. However, it's unclear whether these assaults occurred immediately after the truce started. While there has been an apparent lull in military activity, ongoing skirmishes cloud the prospect of a sustainable peace in the near future.
In contrast, Ukraine favors a 30-day ceasefire, an opinion backed by the United States. Officials argue that the prolonged period is essential to facilitate lasting peace between the two warring nations. Ukraine has proposed a 30-day renewable ceasefire, along with a 15-kilometer retreat by both sides, resulting in a 30-kilometer demilitarized zone under careful scrutiny. The contrast between Russia's limited three-day truce and Ukraine's commitment to a more elaborate ceasefire plan is prominent.
As tensions persist amidst reports of ceasefire violations, hopes for a sustainable, monitored truce in Ukraine remain uncertain.
- The Commission has also been consulted on the draft budget, regarding the proposed 30-day ceasefire that Ukraine advocates for in the Russo-Ukrainian conflict.
- While Vladimir Putin announced a three-day truce on the anniversary of the "Great Victory" in May 1945, this truce could not prevent the reported violations in areas such as Siversk and Kurakhove, according to unverified reports.
- In the midst of the political news surrounding Putin's ceasefire, there have been reports of drone attacks, with Russia allegedly experiencing a record-breaking 524 Ukrainian drone assaults that extensively disrupted civilian aviation.
- On Thursday, the Commission may discuss the ongoing war-and-conflicts issue in Ukraine, considering the questionable durability of Putin's declared truce, the need for a sustainable, monitored truce, and the political implications of the proposed short-term versus extended ceasefire plans.
