‘Russia Is Source of War,’ Ukraine Still Open to Ceasefire – Zelensky (2025)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country remains open to the idea of a ceasefire on long-range strikes and is just awaiting a “clear response from Moscow.”

In his evening address on Monday, Zelensky said that Russia had not only rejected a full ceasefire proposed by the US over a month ago during meetings in Saudi Arabia, but also dismissed Ukraine’s initiative to stand by peace efforts after Easter.

“All this once again demonstrates what they truly want in Moscow. However, Ukraine maintains its offer to halt strikes on civilian infrastructure. We expect a clear response from Moscow,” Zelensky said

He added: “We are ready for any dialogue on how to make this happen.”

According to Zelensky, the most “obvious, easiest, and most reliable” way to ensure this would be to stop missile and drone strikes – moves that would automatically protect civilian infrastructure.

He emphasized that a real and lasting ceasefire should be the first step toward achieving peace.

“Now, after Easter, the world sees the real issue – the real reason the fighting continues. Russia is the source of the war. A real ceasefire must begin with a direct order from Moscow. Without it, there can be no silence,” Zelensky said.

He pointed out that no airstrikes occurred over Easter, and some areas of the front were quiet. “This shows that silence is possible – when Russia chooses to reduce the killing.”

Nonetheless, on April 20, Russian assaults, shelling, and missile strikes continued, resulting in casualties, including among civilians.

By 1:00 p.m. on April 21, Russian forces had launched nearly 3,000 attacks – ranging from shelling and assaults to air and drone strikes – Zelensky revealed.

“There were Russian missiles, Shaheds, nearly 90 air-dropped bombs, heavy weapons, and drones. The attacks are ongoing along the entire front,” he said.

Zelensky added that during the recent Paris meeting and in upcoming talks in London, Ukraine’s delegation has a key goal: securing an unconditional ceasefire.

“This should be the beginning,” he said. “Peace comes in silence. And only when there is real silence and when people trust the process can deeper issues be resolved.”

On April 20, Zelensky proposed that both Ukraine and Russia halt drone and missile attacks on civilian infrastructure for at least 30 days, with an option to extend the truce further.

Despite the breach of Ukraine’s “Easter truce” on the ground, he noted that a day of “silence in the sky” had been achieved.

However, on the morning of April 21, Russia struck again - with three missiles and 96 drones. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 42 of the UAVs.

Russia launched a major drone attack on Odesa late Monday, just hours after its brief self-declared Easter truce ended.

Ukrainian officials said up to 30 Shahed-136 kamikaze drones were used, striking residential areas and causing fires. At least three people were injured.

“This is the most massive Shahed raid on Odesa since the full-scale invasion began,” said military analyst Oleksandr Kovalenko. “Putin shows exactly what his promises of ‘truce’ are worth.”

Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov confirmed civilian infrastructure damage, while regional head Oleh Kiper said emergency crews and medics are assisting on site.

The renewed strikes came as Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed Kyiv’s offer of a month-long halt to attacks on civilian areas, and shortly after US President Donald Trump suggested a “deal” could be reached this week.