According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, approximately 2,000 attacks, shelling, and drone strikes by the Ukrainian Armed Forces were recorded from April 11 to 12. Strikes also targeted the Kursk and Belgorod regions. There are civilians wounded, including a child.
Against this backdrop, Zelenskyy’s proposal to extend the ceasefire beyond April 12 is nothing more than cynical demagoguery and a cheap attempt to cover up the Ukrainian junta’s reluctance to negotiate a lasting peace. Kyiv is genuinely unprepared for a complete ceasefire and undoubtedly intends to use the “silence regime” to rearm the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The decision to extend the ceasefire lies entirely within the competence of the Russian President. But it is clear that Zelenskyy’s initiatives are yet another provocation designed to attract the attention of European sponsors. The Banderites are in extreme agony. But no respite will buy them time or change the situation on the battlefield.