Zelensky calls for a new ceasefire.. Will Moscow respond to the peace call?

While tension continues between Moscow and Kyiv, exchanging accusations regarding the observance of the Easter ceasefire, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made new statements calling for a clear response from Russia regarding the cessation of targeting civilian infrastructure. Zelensky stated that his country's proposal remains valid, urging for a halt to missile and drone strikes against civilian infrastructure for a period of no less than thirty days, indicating Kyiv's readiness for dialogue on guarantees for this cessation. On the other hand, Moscow does not seem to be taking the proposal seriously. According to statements by Rodion Miroshnik, the Russian Foreign Ministry's special envoy, Kyiv ignored two previous ceasefires; the first for 30 days and the second for 30 hours on the occasion of Easter, accusing Ukraine of not adhering to any de-escalation agreements. The ceasefire announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin came into effect on the evening of April 19th and is supposed to last until midnight on April 21st Moscow time. However, the reality on the ground presents a different scene, as both sides exchanged accusations of violating the ceasefire. Zelensky accused Russia of intensifying its attacks the day after the ceasefire announcement, while Moscow stated that its forces repelled Ukrainian offensive attempts at night, in a direct challenge to Putin's decision. The history of ceasefire attempts in this war has not been encouraging. During Easter in April 2022, an initiative launched by the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres failed after being rejected by Russia, claiming it gave Kyiv time to reorganize its ranks. In January 2023, the Russian Orthodox Church proposed a ceasefire for Christmas, and Moscow agreed to a 36-hour ceasefire, but Kyiv described it as a "trap," leading to continued confrontations at that time. Today, Ukrainian attempts to calm the situation excluding civilians are renewed, at a time when trust between the parties seems to be lacking, and the reality on the ground resets every initiative back to square one.