Air raid inferno ends Easter 'truce' & Trump hopes to end war 'this week'
Apr 22, 2025
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Shaun Walker, The Guardian's Central and Eastern Europe Correspondent and author of 'The Illegals', sheds light on the so-called Easter truce between Russia and Ukraine, questioning its real significance. He dives into current U.S. peace proposals, revealing the tough territorial concessions on the table. Shaun also explores historical spies' tactics through his book, drawing parallels to modern espionage challenges. The discussion offers a gripping look at identity and deceit in the shadow of the ongoing conflict.
The recent Easter truce, lasting only 30 hours, proved largely ineffective as immediate battlefield violations led to casualties, questioning its authenticity.
American peace proposals raise significant concerns regarding potential concessions to Russia, including territory recognition and NATO exclusion for Ukraine, threatening its sovereignty.
Insights from a new book on Russian spies reveal enduring espionage techniques that necessitate increased vigilance and counterintelligence efforts from Western nations.
Deep dives
Ceasefire Analysis
The so-called ceasefire announced by Putin, which lasted for only 30 hours, is viewed as more of a media stunt than a genuine attempt at peace. Reports from the battlefield indicated violations with casualties occurring almost immediately after the truce began, challenging the notion of a significant reduction in hostilities. Ukraine's military data suggested ongoing Russian casualties even during this period, undermining claims of a successful cessation of violence. This raises questions about the tactical motivations behind such ceasefire announcements, which may serve more to confuse and mislead than to foster genuine peace.
US Peace Proposals
Recent American peace proposals have sparked concern, suggesting potential recognition of Russia's annexation of Crimea and exclusion of Ukraine from NATO. These propositions represent a significant shift from the US's previous stances, creating uncertainty regarding Ukraine's territorial integrity and security guarantees. While the Kremlin expressed satisfaction at the suggested NATO exclusion, the implications for Ukraine's sovereignty are troubling. This could set a precedent that allows Russia to leverage territorial gains against a backdrop of inadequate support for Ukraine from Western allies.
The Role of Pope Francis
Pope Francis's legacy in the context of the Ukraine war is contentious, receiving mixed reactions regarding his diplomatic efforts. While he condemned the war as unjust and referred to Ukraine as a martyred nation, his reluctance to label Putin as the aggressor frustrated many Ukrainians. He has called for peace repeatedly, including suggestions for Ukraine to negotiate, which have drawn criticism due to perceived lack of support. The future leadership of the Catholic Church is viewed as critical, with many hoping for a more politically assertive pope, akin to John Paul II's role in addressing past conflicts.
Insight into Russian Spycraft
A new book examining the history of Russian undercover operatives reveals insights into the KGB's longstanding espionage techniques. These 'illegals' spent years in training, often posing as ordinary citizens to conduct intelligence operations while living among targets in Western countries. The evolving nature of this spying program in response to geopolitical shifts highlights its ongoing significance and adaptability, especially following the expulsion of intelligence personnel from embassies. This underscores a need for Western nations to remain vigilant and improve counterintelligence as the landscape of espionage transforms.
Military and Diplomatic Developments
Ongoing military exchanges and diplomatic dialogues reflect the complex dynamics surrounding the Ukraine conflict. Ukraine has negotiated prisoner exchanges and indicated that China may be supplying military support to Russia, intensifying international tensions. As new rounds of peace talks unfold between Ukrainian representatives and Western allies, the outcomes remain uncertain amid escalating military actions. This interconnected web of military maneuvering and diplomatic initiatives emphasizes the critical nature of sustained international engagement in seeking resolutions to the conflict.
Today, we ask how meaningful the weekend’s so-called ‘Easter truce’ really was, look at the new American peace proposals put to Kyiv and its allies – which include major concessions both in territory and sovereignty – then reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis in relation to the war. Later, we hear about a new book investigating Russian spies who spent decades undercover: what does it teach us about modern spycraft?
Contributors:
Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.
Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X
Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X.
Shaun Walker (Eastern Europe at the Guardian). @shaunwalker7 on X.
