Britain has called on Russia to commit to a complete and lasting ceasefire in Ukraine, rather than a temporary pause, according to a statement released by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on April 19.
The appeal followed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of a unilateral 30-hour Easter ceasefire earlier in the day, Caliber.Az reports, citing Western media.
The move came amid warnings from Washington that peace talks could be abandoned within days unless both Moscow and Kyiv demonstrate a genuine willingness to end the conflict.
"Ukraine has already committed to a full ceasefire. We urge Russia to do the same," a spokesperson for the UK foreign ministry said, emphasizing that such a step could open the door to meaningful negotiations for a just and durable peace.
"This is the moment for Putin to prove he is serious about peace by ending his brutal invasion," the statement added.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a 30-hour unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine over the Easter weekend, from Saturday (April 19) evening to Sunday (April 20) midnight. This move has elicited scepticism from Ukraine and the international community.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticised the ceasefire, reporting 59 instances of Russian shelling and multiple assaults by Russian units during the period. He accused Russia of attempting to create a false impression of a ceasefire while continuing its military actions. Zelenskyy emphasised Ukraine's willingness to honour a genuine and full ceasefire, contingent upon real developments on the ground.
By Khagan Isayev
Source: caliber.az
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