Russia chose ‘Easter escalation’ over ceasefire, says Zelensky

Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s leader, has accused Moscow of prioritizing an ‘Easter escalation’ instead of a temporary ceasefire during the Orthodox holiday. This decision came after Russia launched a significant drone and missile assault on Ukrainian territory, resulting in six civilian deaths and 40 injuries. The attacks, which previously occurred mainly at night, have intensified during the day, marking a worrying trend.

Ukraine’s military has targeted Russian energy infrastructure in the north, particularly the port of Ust-Luga, which has been hit multiple times by drones. These strikes have disrupted Russia’s exports, according to officials. Meanwhile, Zelensky highlighted that the frontline in the east has seen the ‘most favorable’ conditions for Ukraine in 10 months, as Russian advances appear to have slowed. However, air raids continue unabated, causing destruction in regions like Zhytomyr, where entire neighborhoods were reduced to rubble.

In the Kyiv region, a drone was captured on camera streaking toward a residential block before crashing into its side, igniting flames. In Kharkiv, a woman and others were critically hurt during what the mayor termed ‘one of the biggest’ strike campaigns on the city. Zelensky described the bombardment as Russia’s retaliation against his call for a holiday truce, noting that both nations observe Orthodox Easter next weekend.

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

Despite the ongoing aerial assaults, Zelensky emphasized that the situation on the frontlines remains ‘stable,’ with small gains and losses in different areas. He suggested the risk of a major Russian breakthrough has diminished. Nevertheless, Ukraine’s strategy now focuses on maintaining defensive positions rather than pursuing large-scale advances.

Efforts to broker peace, led by the US, have stalled as Trump’s administration redirected attention to the Middle East. Zelensky’s proposal for a temporary truce was relayed to Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, but in-person negotiations have been delayed twice. Moscow claims the talks are ‘on hold,’ raising questions about their commitment to a deal.

Ukraine faces challenges due to the global shift in focus. The war in the Middle East has strained US defensive missile supplies, potentially limiting support for Ukraine’s air defense. Additionally, fuel shortages and rising prices linked to the Iran conflict pose risks for Ukraine’s frontline operations, which rely heavily on diesel for tanks and vehicles. For Russia, the situation is more advantageous, as energy exports provide crucial funds for military efforts.