“Easter truce” is Putin's maneuver: journalist Portnikov discusses Russia's objectives

This opinion was expressed by journalist Vitaly Portnikov on Espreso TV.

"Let's consider what Putin seeks in his relations with the United States. It is clear that his focus is not on Ukraine, but on the U.S. I would like to remind you of Donald Trump's concept: he intends to declare a truce — a ceasefire on the Russian-Ukrainian front — and then initiate the process of negotiating a lasting peace. This is his approach," the journalist noted.

Instead, he explained, the Russian leader is attempting to combine aggressive military tactics with diplomatic initiatives.

"President Putin’s approach is to continue military operations, terrorize Ukrainian cities and towns, while simultaneously engaging in negotiations with Trump, showing that Russia is not internationally isolated and that even the Americans are willing to continue talks," Portnikov noted.

In this context, Trump’s statements about the need for a truce to initiate negotiations play a key role.

"This situation hinges on Donald Trump's declarations that there will be no negotiation process without a truce. Marco Rubio also mentioned this after the meeting in Paris, as did Trump himself. Now, Putin faces the following scenario: he continues military operations, Ukraine may not even receive American assistance, but without a truce, no negotiation process will begin," Portnikov emphasized.

According to the journalist, the Russian side is keen on maintaining communication with Washington. Putin needs the United States to remain at the negotiating table.

"He needs ongoing communication with the United States to keep them engaged in dialogue. He doesn't just need a war. Putin understands that if Trump withdraws from the talks, the situation will revert to what it was before Trump’s involvement: the war continues, Europeans support Ukraine, purchase American weapons, supply arms themselves, and America and Europe cease communication with him. Therefore, he pushes for continued negotiations — with Witkoff flying to Moscow and St. Petersburg, where he is told about specific tasks," Portnikov summarized.

• Russian leader Vladimir Putin pledged that his troops would observe a 30-hour ceasefire on April 19–20, 2025.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to the 30-hour Easter ceasefire announced by the Russian dictator. He called it "another attempt by Putin to play with people's lives."
•  However, on Saturday, April 19, Russian forces attacked Kherson and surrounding areas with drones, despite the so-called truce declared by the Kremlin leader.