**UK and Italy Urge Russia to Accept Full Ceasefire in Ukraine**
The UK and Italian foreign ministries have called on Russia to accept an unconditional ceasefire in separate statements, just hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a temporary truce over Easter weekend. The move is seen as a significant escalation of pressure on Russia to end its war against Ukraine.
Putin’s announcement came on April 19, with the Russian leader ordering a halt on combat operations from 6 p.m. Moscow time until midnight on April 21. However, this temporary truce has been met with skepticism by many in the international community, who see it as a PR stunt rather than a genuine attempt to bring peace to Ukraine.
**U.K. and Italy Join Ukraine’s Call for Full Ceasefire**
In response to Putin’s announcement, the UK called on Russia to go beyond a “one-day pause” and commit to a full ceasefire in Ukraine. A U.K. foreign ministry spokesperson said: “Ukraine has committed to a full ceasefire. We urge Russia to do the same.” The statement echoed Ukraine’s own response to Putin’s announcement, with President Volodymyr Zelensky inviting Russia to extend the full ceasefire beyond Easter Sunday.
The Italian foreign ministry also urged Russia to take more significant steps toward peace. “It is not clear how Russia will respect a short truce,” said Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. “Putin must make up his mind to finally stop this war he started.”
**Ukraine Says Reports of Russian Violations Already Emerging**
Zelensky also said that reports from Ukraine’s front lines indicate that Russia has already violated the Easter ceasefire. This raises concerns that Putin’s temporary truce may be a ploy to gain international support, rather than a genuine attempt to bring peace to Ukraine.
The Ukrainian government had previously accepted a U.S. proposal for a complete 30-day ceasefire, provided Russia agrees to the same terms. However, Russia continues to reject this proposal unless Ukraine makes extraordinary concessions – including a halt to all foreign military aid.
**International Pressure Mounts on Russia**
The statements from the UK and Italy echo the frustration and impatience expressed by U.S. President Donald Trump with the status of Russia-Ukraine peace talks. Trump has spent the past several months boasting of his ability to make a deal to swiftly end the war in Ukraine, but Washington is now “taking a pass” on further mediation efforts if either side “makes it difficult” to proceed with negotiations.
The pressure on Russia to accept a full ceasefire is likely to continue, as the international community becomes increasingly frustrated with Putin’s refusal to commit to meaningful peace talks. As Zelensky said: “This will show Russia’s true intentions… Thirty days can give peace a chance.”
