Russia-Ukraine War: Russia may offer Ukraine a cease-fire in order to stop the planned counterattack from Kiev, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) estimated today (Tuesday). According to the assessment, the President of Russia, Vladimir Putinmay take advantage of the Orthodox Easter to call for a cessation of hostilities “out of respect for the Orthodox religion.”
Putin is aware that in Ukraine there is a significant Orthodox population, with 78% declaring that they identify as Orthodox Christians. The Kremlin has already used religious holidays in the past to call for a ceasefire, in an attempt to “influence the situation on the front”. Last year, Moscow did not agree to a ceasefire during Easter because Russia had the upper hand, significantly more so than this year.
Vladimir Putin (Photo: Reuters)
The Institute for the Study of War explained that “the Kremlin may call for a cease-fire on Easter, because this pause will disproportionately benefit Russian soldiers. This will not only amount to a military advantage, but it will play in Putin’s favor, presenting him as the “true defender of the Christian faith.” The move may To allow the Kremlin to occupy the city of Akhmat, where fierce fighting has been taking place for a long time. Also, the ceasefire will help the Russians strengthen the fortifications in preparation for the Ukrainian counter-offensive planned for this spring.
Last December, the President of Ukraine proposed Volodymyr Zelensky, a truce for Christmas. In response, when the Kremlin spokesman was asked about the cease-fire proposal in question, he replied that “no such proposals have been received from anyone. The issue is not on the agenda.”