Putin’s call for a ceasefire: Kyiv senses a “cynical trap” behind the ceasefire

The ceasefire announced by Kremlin chief Putin for the Orthodox Christmas has met with little enthusiasm in Ukraine. President Selenskyj spoke of a “cover” and Western politicians also reacted cautiously.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted skeptically to the ceasefire announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin. In his nightly video address, he questioned the motives of the Russian leadership. “Now they want to use Christmas as a cover to stop the advance of our guys in Donbass for a while and bring equipment, ammunition and mobilized people closer to our positions,” he said. “What will it bring? Just a further increase in the number of casualties.”

“Cynical Trap”

Ukraine’s presidential adviser Mykhailo Podoliak accused Russia of hypocrisy. He wrote on Twitter that Russia must “leave the occupied territories – only then will there be a ‘temporary ceasefire'”. He described Putin’s appeal as a “cynical trap” and a pure propaganda gesture. Unlike the Russian opponent, Ukraine does not attack foreign territory and does not kill civilians. Only Russia does that.

The head of Ukraine’s National Security Council, Oleksiy Danilov, wrote on Twitter: “What does a bunch of little Kremlin devils have to do with the Christian holiday of Christmas?” Russia kills children, shells women’s clinics and tortures prisoners. Regarding the ceasefire, you are dealing with “lies and hypocrisy”. “Russia is trying by all means to reduce the intensity of the fighting and the intensity of the attacks on its logistics centers, at least temporarily.” Kyiv will therefore not react to Moscow’s “deliberately manipulative” initiatives.

Biden: “Putin is trying to get some air”

US President Joe Biden declined to comment directly on Putin’s move, but said it was interesting that the Russian president was ready to bomb hospitals, kindergartens and churches at Christmas and New Year. “I think he’s trying to get some air,” Biden said. The US State Department said it found Russia’s announcement unreliable.

EU Council President Charles Michel also accused Russia of hypocritical behavior. “A withdrawal of Russian troops is the only serious option to restore peace and security,” he wrote on Twitter. UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric welcomed the announcement. However, this does not replace a “just peace”.

Federal government “takes note” of announcement

The federal government also reacted cautiously to the announced ceasefire. “We have taken note of the announcement,” said a government spokesman. “Every cessation of hostilities helps save lives.” It remains the case that Russia must withdraw its troops completely from Ukraine and can thus end this war at any time. “We continue to call on Russia to do this.”

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) wrote on Twitter: “A so-called ceasefire brings neither freedom nor security to the people who live in daily fear under Russian occupation.” Putin apparently wants to “continue the war after a short break”. If Putin wanted peace, he would “take his soldiers home and the war would be over.” Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck (Greens) described the announced ceasefire on RTL as “not credible”.

Ceasefire ordered for 36 hours

Putin ordered a ceasefire in Ukraine during the Orthodox Christmas celebrations on Thursday. The ceasefire should last from Friday noon to Saturday evening and thus 36 hours. According to Putin’s instructions, many Orthodox citizens lived in the combat zones and should be given the opportunity to attend Christmas services. The Ukrainian side was also asked to declare a ceasefire. The Orthodox Churches in Russia and Ukraine traditionally celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on January 7 according to the Julian calendar.

Putin was responding to an appeal by 76-year-old Russian Patriarch Kirill, who had asked for such a ceasefire during Christmas. Kirill is a vehement supporter of Putin and his policies and preaches against Kyiv and the West.

Russia wants to return Ukrainian attacks

Observers in Kyiv assume that the ceasefire could save Ukrainians from rocket and drone attacks over the Christmas period. On the fronts in the east and south of the attacked country, on the other hand, the situation is unlikely to change.

Moscow’s occupation chief Denis Pushilin, deployed by Moscow in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, has already said that Russian troops would continue to return Ukrainian attacks despite Putin’s orders. “The decision concerns the cessation of initiating fire and offensive actions from our side,” Puschilin wrote on Telegram. Puschilin added: “This does not mean that we will not respond to enemy provocations or even give the enemy any chance to improve their frontline positions during these holiday hours.”