Ukraine: Attacks Continue as Orthodox Easter Ceasefire Approaches

Russia intensified its bombardment of Ukraine as a 36-hour respite approached. Overnight, three civilians were killed and multiple others injured in drone strikes targeting Odesa, Poltava, and Sumy. Despite the impending pause in hostilities, combat persisted, with both sides engaging in skirmishes ahead of the scheduled ceasefire. The pause, expected to begin Saturday at 4:00 p.m. local time (1300 GMT), marks Moscow’s temporary halt in its invasion, described as a “humanitarian gesture.”

In the southern port city of Odesa, Russian drones hit residential neighborhoods and a kindergarten, resulting in two deaths and several injuries. Meanwhile, a hostile drone strike in Poltava killed one individual and wounded another, damaging a shop and cafe. Northeastern Sumy suffered an attack that targeted homes, leaving 14 people injured, including a teenager and an elderly resident.

“We will pause our defense efforts if Russia stops its assaults during the Orthodox Easter holiday,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Russia’s Defense Ministry reported shooting down 99 Ukrainian drones during the preceding night. Debris from the strikes reportedly landed in the Russian town of Krymsk, igniting a fire at an oil depot. However, no further details on the extent of the damage were released. The ceasefire, though planned, has not yet halted the ongoing conflict, with attacks continuing into Saturday.

As the temporary truce nears, US diplomatic efforts to end the war have seen diminished progress, with Washington now prioritizing the Israel-Iran conflict. Last year, President Vladimir Putin also called for a similar pause during the Orthodox holiday, but both sides noted numerous breaches. This weekend’s pause represents another attempt to ease tensions, with both Moscow and Kyiv pledging to retaliate for any aggression during the 36-hour window.