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Zelensky slams Moscow for Easter escalation instead of ceasefire
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of opting for intensified attacks over a temporary Easter truce, following a large-scale drone and missile assault that left six civilians dead and 40 injured across Ukraine.
Wave of daytime strikes hits multiple regions
Once infrequent, major daytime attacks have surged in recent weeks. In Zhytomyr, west of Kyiv, rescue teams searched through rubble after entire rows of homes were destroyed. Footage from the Kyiv region captured a drone crashing into an apartment building, sparking a fire. Kharkiv's mayor described the day's strikes as one of the city's most severe, with one woman killed and others critically wounded.
Zelensky links attacks to rejected truce offer
Orthodox Easter, celebrated next weekend in both countries, prompted Zelensky to propose a temporary pause in hostilities. Russia responded with intensified strikes, which Zelensky called an "Easter escalation" in a post on X. "The Russians turned what should have been silence in the skies into a show of force," he wrote.
Ukraine retaliates with deep strikes on Russian soil
Kyiv has launched its own cross-border attacks, targeting energy infrastructure along Russia's northern coast. The port of Ust-Luga has been hit repeatedly, disrupting exports. An industrial plant in Togliatti, producing military-grade rubber, was struck overnight, injuring one worker and damaging a residential building, according to local Russian officials. Ukraine also reported hitting a substation in Taganrog and debris striking a vessel in the Sea of Azov.
Peace talks stall as global focus shifts
Efforts to revive negotiations, led by the U.S., have faltered since President Donald Trump's administration pivoted attention to the Middle East conflict. Plans for in-person talks with Russia, mediated by Washington, have been postponed twice, with Moscow calling them "on hold." Zelensky extended an invitation to Trump's envoys-Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner-to visit Kyiv and shuttle to Moscow to sustain dialogue.
Frontline stabilizes but air raids persist
British intelligence and Zelensky agree the eastern frontline is the "most favorable" for Ukraine in 10 months, as Russian advances slow. Zelensky described the situation as "stable," with minor territorial shifts. However, he warned that prolonged Middle East conflict could divert U.S. defensive missiles, like Patriot systems, away from Ukraine, complicating air defense against Russian ballistic strikes.
"The longer the war in the Middle East continues, the greater the risk we receive less weaponry. This is one of the most challenging tasks we face."
Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian President
Energy concerns and shifting dynamics
Ukraine's military relies heavily on diesel for tanks and vehicles, and rising fuel prices due to the Iran conflict pose a threat. Meanwhile, Russia benefits from increased energy export revenues, funding its war effort. Analysts question whether Moscow is genuinely seeking a deal, given its improved global position.
