Zelenskyy proposes 30-day halt on strikes targeting civilian infrastructure

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed a 30-day halt in long-range drone and missile strikes on civilian infrastructure, urging Russia to join in extending a temporary truce that began over the Easter weekend.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Zelenskyy called for the pause to begin immediately and last at least 30 days, with the possibility of extension.

The proposal coincides with a 30-hour Easter ceasefire declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin from 6:00 p.m. on April 19 to midnight on April 21.

Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine would mirror Russia's actions, offering a complete ceasefire if "unconditional silence" is maintained on both sides. However, he expressed frustration over what he described as Russia’s failure to uphold its own truce.

“In practice, across all major frontlines, Russia has violated the ceasefire more than 2,000 times,” Zelenskyy said, citing data from Ukraine’s Armed Forces.

These alleged violations included over 1,300 attacks and 67 assaults, with Pokrovsk identified as the most targeted area.

The Ukrainian president emphasized that Sunday passed without air raid sirens, demonstrating the feasibility of silence.

“This is the format that is easiest to continue,” he said, pressing Moscow to act in kind.

Zelenskyy warned that Russia’s refusal to accept the 30-day proposal would signal an intention to continue actions that “destroy human lives and prolong the war.”

Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that President Putin had not extended the ceasefire beyond the originally stated deadline, casting uncertainty over the future of any potential truce.

As of now, no official response has been issued by Moscow regarding Ukraine’s 30-day proposal.