DISINFO: Russia’s Easter ceasefire demonstrated that neither the West nor Ukraine want peace
SUMMARY
Russia’s Easter ceasefire demonstrated the West's interest in continuing the conflict in Ukraine. The collective West’s ‘deep state’ and Ukrainian authorities are eager for the conflict to go on. Europe’s militarisation will continue, along with attempts to geopolitically suffocate the Union State of Belarus and Russia. This is being carried out in accordance with the Anglo-Saxon ‘Anaconda Ring’ strategy.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets, accusing the West / EU / NATO of warmongering and portraying Russia as genuinely interested in peace in Ukraine. Furthermore, the conspiracy theory about the so-called ‘Anaconda Ring’ strategy is used, which is consistent with recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the belligerent West trying to encircle Russia. It is intended to justify Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine, deflecting any responsibility for Moscow’s illicit actions.
The Anaconda plan was a military strategy proposed by Union General Winfield Scott early in the American Civil War. The plan called for a naval blockade of the Confederate littoral, thrust down the Mississippi, and the strangulation of the South by Union land and naval forces. It has nothing to do with modern politics and despite frequent disinformation claims in this regard, there is no evidence backing the idea that a so-called 'Anaconda ring' or a similar strategy exists. As a negative catch-all term, the “Anglo-Saxons” term is a useful building block for pro-Kremlin conspiracy theories. You can find plenty of examples in our database.
Following the announcement of the Easter ceasefire Russian missiles and drones continued attacking Ukraine. Read our analysis "The Kremlin’s poisoned chalice of peace" explaining Russia's manipulation attempts to look like it is interested in reaching peace in Ukraine.
The EU is providing military, financial, and humanitarian support to Ukraine. This support is aimed at helping Ukraine defend its sovereignty against Russia’s aggression. The European Union is committed to achieving a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine peace on Ukraine’s terms. The EU's actions are based on a strong belief that Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity is non-negotiable, not on promoting any Russophobic ideology.
As EU HRVP Kaja Kallas stated on April 14, 2025:
“It is clear that all Member States want peace. And, remember, we had 27 [EU] countries who supported the ceasefire. Also, Ukraine agreed to unconditional ceasefire already a month ago.
Yet, we are seeing that Russia alone wants war, because we [saw one of] the deadliest attacks yesterday: Sumy air strikes over the weekend. It is clear that they are stalling and [do] not want peace at all. So, the only way to get Russia to negotiate seriously is putting some more pressure on Russia.”
See earlier disinformation cases claiming that EU sabotages peace process in Ukraine, that Europe is trying to undermine the conflict settlement in Ukraine, and that The EU wants the war in Ukraine to continue, and that the West systematically provokes conflicts in the post-Soviet space to undermine Russia.