The EU has issued a cautious response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s declaration of a 30-hour unilateral Easter ceasefire in Ukraine, stressing that only concrete steps - not announcements -can signal genuine intent to end hostilities.
The ceasefire, announced by Moscow ahead of Orthodox Easter, was met with skepticism in Brussels, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.
On April 19, the EU called on Russia to demonstrate its commitment through action, not rhetoric.
"Russia has a track record as an aggressor, so first we need to see any actual halt of the aggression and clear deeds for a lasting ceasefire," said Anitta Hipper, the European Commission's lead spokesperson for foreign affairs and security.
Hipper emphasized that Ukraine had already agreed to an unconditional ceasefire more than a month ago, reinforcing the EU’s stance that responsibility for ending the war lies squarely with Moscow.
"Russia could stop this war at any moment if it really wanted to," she said. "We continue to support Ukraine for a long, just and comprehensive peace."
The EU has consistently backed Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, providing economic aid, humanitarian support, and military assistance, while pushing for a diplomatic solution grounded in Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
By Naila Huseynova
Source: caliber.az
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