BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Union on Saturday reacted cautiously to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s declaration of a unilateral 30-hour Easter ceasefire in Ukraine, saying Moscow could stop the war immediately if it wanted to.
“Russia has a track record as an aggressor, so first we need to see any actual halt of the aggression and clear deeds for a lasting ceasefire,” said Anitta Hipper, the European Commission’s lead spokesperson for foreign affairs and security.
Hipper added that it had been more than a month since Ukraine agreed to an unconditional ceasefire.
“Russia could stop this war at any moment if it really wanted to… We continue to support Ukraine for a long, just and comprehensive peace.”
(Reporting by Sabine Siebold; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
