Selenskyj: Easter brings hope for peace in Ukraine!

Selenskyj: Easter brings hope for peace in Ukraine!

Kiew, Ukraine - On April 20, 2025, Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj was addressed to the public to emphasize the importance of Easter, the highest holiday of Christians in Ukraine. In his speech, he emphasized the faith of people and thanked the Ukrainian men and women for their support in the difficult time of disputes with Russia. Selenskyj sharply criticized the Russian government for the pretense of a fire break at Easter and made it clear that Ukraine knew exactly what it defending and what it is fighting for. He was wearing a gray shirt with traditional Ukrainian embroidery pattern, the Wyschywanka, and spoke of a future day of life and peace in Ukraine. According to the [Kleine Zeitung] (https://www.kleinezeitung.at/service/newsticker/aussenpolitik/19599410/Ukrainischer-praesident-tag-des-friedens-werd- Army) Attacking attacks on Saturday evening and Sunday morning.

Putin, who took part in a service in the Christian Roman Cathedral in Moscow on Sunday, prayed to pray for a permanent and just peace. The service was headed by Patriarch Kirill, who described the invasion of Ukraine as a defense struggle. President Putin justified his claim to Ukraine with the historical unity of Russians and Ukrainians, which is attributed to the Kiev Rus. In contrast, Ukraine claims its own history and ties in its identity to independence from 1991.

first phone call between Selenskyj and Putin

In a remarkable step, Wolodymyr Selenskyj and Vladimir Putin for the first time led a joint call about the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, which has been ongoing for years. The initiative for the conversation assumed Kiev, while the Kremlin confirmed that various topics, including the situation in Donbass and the prisoner exchange, were discussed. According to [GMX] (https://www.gmx.at/magazine/politik/putin-selenskyj-zmals-ukraine conflict-33839768), a meeting between advisors in Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany for July 12 in Paris was also planned. While Putin Selenskyj had not yet congratulated them on election, he did not rule out a personal meeting.

Selenskyj strives to quickly end the war in eastern Ukraine, but requires a solid power base in parliament, especially after the parliamentary election, which is scheduled for July 21. At the same time, the fights in Donbass, which have cost life over 13,000 people since 2014, are still a central problem that influences both internal and foreign policy in Ukraine.

historical context of the conflict

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has profound historical roots that go back to the time of the Kiev Rus. Historians like Marc Bloch emphasize the complex identity development of the Ukrainians and the historical suppression mechanisms by the Russian Empire. Ukraine had influenced various rich for centuries, including the Polish and Ottoman Ottoman, and was weakly structured politically, which led to a multicultural society. From the 19th century, awareness of a Ukrainian identity developed, which was characterized by regional and religious affiliations until the 20th century. These points are dealt with in detail in the analysis on bpb. In view of this historical information, it becomes clear that the current situation in the Ukraine Russ conflict is not only determined by geopolitical ambitions, but also through centuries-long social and cultural dynamics that are still effective. The solution to these conflicts therefore requires a deep understanding of the respective national identities and the historical contexts that have shaped them.