US Mediators to Facilitate Ukraines Easter Ceasefire Offer to Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced plans to relay his proposal for an Easter truce to the United States, which would halt attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities. The announcement was made during an event in Kyiv to mark the fourth anniversary of the Bucha massacre.

Zelenskyy stated that he will convey this offer to US mediators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner through online talks scheduled for Wednesday. He also expressed his willingness to consider compromises, except those involving Ukraine’s dignity and sovereignty.

Earlier, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had responded coolly to Zelenskyy’s previous mention of an energy truce, stating that the Ukrainian president must take responsibility for making a decision on peace versus a ceasefire.

The proposal comes after Zelenskyy stated that some of his country’s allies have sent signals about scaling back long-range strikes on Russia’s oil sector. Ukraine is prepared to reciprocate if Russia stops attacking its energy system.

European diplomats visited Kyiv to mark the anniversary of the Bucha massacre and reaffirm their support for Ukraine. The event was attended by Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, as well as foreign ministers from Germany, Poland, Italy, and other EU countries.

The US, Russia, and Ukraine have held three rounds of high-level talks this year, with a fourth round postponed due to the war on Iran. A key point of contention is the question of territory in eastern Ukraine, where Russia insists that Ukraine cede control over the Donbas region. Zelenskyy has refused to consider this proposal.

The US and Russia have also discussed the possibility of a ceasefire, with Russia reportedly telling the US that it can conquer the remainder of the Donbas region in two months.

Source: Al Jazeera