Windhoek: Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine to mark the 80th anniversary of the WWII victory is a powerful signal that Moscow wants peace and a final settlement of the Ukraine conflict, experts told RIA Novosti on Monday.
According to Namibia Press Agency, professor at the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs at the Russian Higher School of Economics, Maxim Bratersky, stated that while the ceasefire may not lead to significant changes on the front line, it serves as a moral and psychological gesture. Bratersky suggested that the message is not primarily intended for Ukraine, but for those involved in the negotiation process.
This decision aligns with Moscow’s ongoing policy towards Ukraine, following the Easter ceasefire and the prohibition on targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Bratersky added.
Alexey Martynov, associate professor at the Financial University under the Government of Russia and head of the International Institute of Newly Established States, echoed similar sentiments. He noted that the ceasefire not only allows for the commemoration of the WWII victory but also underscores Russia’s intention for peace and a conclusive resolution to the conflict, as previously declared and demonstrated by Russia’s actions.
Earlier, the Kremlin announced that Putin had declared a ceasefire from midnight on May 7-8 until midnight on May 10-11 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany. The Easter ceasefire was observed from April 19-21.