Russia chose ‘Easter escalation’ over ceasefire, says Zelensky

Russia Chose ‘Easter Escalation’ Over Ceasefire, Says Zelensky

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized Moscow for opting for intensified military action during Easter instead of a proposed pause in hostilities. This decision followed a fresh wave of drone and missile strikes by Russia, which left six civilians dead and 40 others wounded. The attacks, which have grown more frequent during daylight hours, mark a shift in Russia’s strategy as diplomatic efforts to end the war, spearheaded by the United States, have faced setbacks since Trump’s administration redirected attention to the Middle East conflict.

Zelensky cited a British intelligence analysis, stating the frontlines in eastern Ukraine now present the “most favorable” conditions in over a year. However, the relentless air assaults continue, with rescuers in Zhytomyr searching through rubble for survivors after an entire row of homes was flattened. In Kyiv, a drone was captured on camera hurtling toward a residential block before crashing into it, igniting a blaze. Meanwhile, in Kharkiv, a woman lost her life and several others suffered critical injuries during what the mayor termed “one of the largest” strikes on the city to date.

“The Russians have only intensified their strikes, turning what should have been silence in the skies into an Easter escalation,”

he tweeted. Ukraine has responded with its own targeted operations, including strikes on Russian energy infrastructure along the northern coast. The repeated drone attacks on the port of Ust-Luga have disrupted Russia’s exports, according to reports. Despite this, Zelensky reiterated that a temporary truce during the holidays remains an option if Moscow agrees, and the offer has been conveyed to Trump’s representatives, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Plans for in-person negotiations mediated by the U.S. have been delayed twice, with Moscow claiming the discussions are “on hold.” Zelensky welcomed the possibility of Trump’s team visiting Kyiv and then traveling to Moscow to sustain peace talks. Yet, uncertainties persist about Moscow’s commitment to a deal, as the global landscape has increasingly favored Russian interests.

For Ukraine, the prolonged war in the Middle East poses challenges. The strain on U.S. defensive missiles, such as the Patriot system, has raised concerns about potential shortages, as these weapons are critical for countering Russia’s ballistic strikes. Zelensky warned journalists in Kyiv that the ongoing conflict could lead to reduced arms deliveries, describing it as “one of the most challenging tasks.” Nonetheless, he noted the frontline situation as “stable,” with localized gains and losses, and the risk of a major Russian advance has diminished.

Ukraine’s immediate priority remains maintaining its defensive positions, with no indication of pursuing large-scale offensives at this time.