Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Moscow of choosing 'Easter escalation' over an Easter ceasefire after Russia carried out another deadly large-scale drone and missile attack on Ukraine. Six civilians were killed and 40 others injured as Russia launched hundreds of drones and missiles across the country. Major daytime attacks, which were once rare, have been increasing.
This escalation comes amid stalled efforts to end the war, with US President Donald Trump and his aides shifting focus to the Middle East. In line with a British intelligence assessment, Zelensky stated that the situation on the eastern frontline is the 'most favourable' for Ukraine in 10 months, as the advance of Russian troops appears to have slowed. However, the air raids persist.
In the Zhytomyr region, rescuers searched for survivors under rubble as entire homes were destroyed. Drone strikes were reported in Kyiv, where a drone hit a block of flats, igniting a fire. In Kharkiv, the city experienced what the mayor called one of the largest strikes to date, resulting in civilian casualties.
Zelensky described the barrage as Russia's response to his proposal of a temporary truce for the holidays, with Orthodox Christians celebrating Easter next weekend in both Ukraine and Russia. 'The Russians have only intensified their strikes, turning what should have been silence in the skies into an Easter escalation,' he tweeted.
Amid rising hostilities, Ukraine has also launched deep strikes targeting Russian energy infrastructure. Reports confirmed attacks on military-related industrial plants in Togliatti and energy facilities on the northern coast of Russia, suggesting a response strategy from Ukraine.
Zelensky reiterated that the offer for a holiday truce remains on the table should Moscow agree. Plans for in-person talks mediated by the US have been postponed, raising doubts about Russia’s willingness to negotiate as circumstances seem to tilt in its favor.
On a cautionary note, Zelensky mentioned concerns regarding fuel shortages due to the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the importance of keeping Ukrainian frontline troops equipped, especially with the potential diversion of US munitions to the Middle East conflict.
This escalation comes amid stalled efforts to end the war, with US President Donald Trump and his aides shifting focus to the Middle East. In line with a British intelligence assessment, Zelensky stated that the situation on the eastern frontline is the 'most favourable' for Ukraine in 10 months, as the advance of Russian troops appears to have slowed. However, the air raids persist.
In the Zhytomyr region, rescuers searched for survivors under rubble as entire homes were destroyed. Drone strikes were reported in Kyiv, where a drone hit a block of flats, igniting a fire. In Kharkiv, the city experienced what the mayor called one of the largest strikes to date, resulting in civilian casualties.
Zelensky described the barrage as Russia's response to his proposal of a temporary truce for the holidays, with Orthodox Christians celebrating Easter next weekend in both Ukraine and Russia. 'The Russians have only intensified their strikes, turning what should have been silence in the skies into an Easter escalation,' he tweeted.
Amid rising hostilities, Ukraine has also launched deep strikes targeting Russian energy infrastructure. Reports confirmed attacks on military-related industrial plants in Togliatti and energy facilities on the northern coast of Russia, suggesting a response strategy from Ukraine.
Zelensky reiterated that the offer for a holiday truce remains on the table should Moscow agree. Plans for in-person talks mediated by the US have been postponed, raising doubts about Russia’s willingness to negotiate as circumstances seem to tilt in its favor.
On a cautionary note, Zelensky mentioned concerns regarding fuel shortages due to the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the importance of keeping Ukrainian frontline troops equipped, especially with the potential diversion of US munitions to the Middle East conflict.
