On February 20, 2022, Russia initiated an invasion of Ukraine and has since been strong in continuing its offense. Since the start of this invasion, many lives have been lost, military personnel as well as civilians, in both Ukraine and Russia. Since the start, many countries around the world have pushed for peace between the two countries. During April, though, there has been plenty of conversation between Russia and Ukraine about a ceasefire, which would be a start to peace.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a ceasefire which would take place from May 8-10. Putin has proposed this to celebrate the victory of the Soviet Union during World War II. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Putin wants his parades protected as he will host several world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping. President Zelenskyy says in a video, “We value people’s lives and not parades.”
This would not be the first time a ceasefire had been proposed, as earlier in April, there was a ceasefire for Easter. President Putin surprisingly announced the ceasefire. Around 45 minutes into the ceasefire, President Zelenskyy said Russia was still using artillery. Russia also accused Ukraine of breaking the truce. Zelenkskyy then proposed a true ceasefire that would last 30 days, which Russia rejected.
Russia has said it wants a full resolution to the war, which President Donald J. Trump has explained several times. Since taking office, President Trump has pushed for a settlement between the two countries, which he has recently shown frustration towards, as the United States has said that if there isn’t a resolution soon, they will back out of trying to end the war. On Sunday, President Trump called out Russia and explained that he was disappointed in them continuing to launch missiles as peace talks are happening.
The United States has relentlessly tried to end the war and make the countries agree. From what Russia says and how they act, it has shown that peace will not come soon. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, during an interview with Brazil’s O Globo newspaper, said, “Demilitarising and de-Nazifying Ukraine is also on the agenda…” He also goes on to say, “The international recognition of Crimea, Sevastopol, the DPR, the LPR, the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions as part of Russia is another imperative.” The annexation of another country or another country’s territories under force is illegal under international law.
The way Russia has acted in the war does not seem to be at an end anytime soon, and actual impactful peace talks might be far in the future still. Ukraine has stood strong in refusing to agree with Russia and its demands. People all around the world want this war to end and hope for the best for the lives in Ukraine and Russia.
