Russia chose ‘Easter escalation’ over ceasefire, says Zelensky
Russia Chose ‘Easter Escalation’ Over Ceasefire, Says Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of opting for “Easter escalation” instead of a holiday ceasefire following Russia’s latest devastating assault using drones and missiles. The attack resulted in six civilian deaths and 40 injuries across the nation. Daytime strikes, once uncommon, have grown more frequent in recent weeks.
This shift coincides with stalled US-led peace initiatives, as Trump’s administration redirected attention to the Middle East conflict. Despite this, Zelensky aligned with a British intelligence report stating the eastern front is the “most favorable” position Ukraine has seen in ten months, with Russian advances showing signs of deceleration.
Yet, air raids have not eased. In Zhytomyr, west of Kyiv, rescuers searched through rubble after a row of houses was destroyed. In Kyiv, a drone was captured on film streaking toward a residential block before crashing into its side, igniting a fire. The mayor of Kharkiv described the strikes as “one of the biggest” on the city so far, with a woman killed and others critically injured.
“The Russians have only intensified their strikes, turning what should have been silence in the skies into an Easter escalation,” Zelensky wrote on X.
Ukraine has countered with several deep strikes, targeting Russian energy infrastructure along the northern coast. The Ust-Luga port, for instance, has suffered repeated drone attacks, prompting Russia to halt exports. Zelensky noted the truce proposal remains open to Moscow, with the message relayed to Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
US-mediated negotiations with Russia have been delayed twice, with Moscow indicating the talks are “on hold.” Zelensky welcomed Trump’s team to Kyiv, then Moscow, to keep the peace process alive. However, doubts linger over Moscow’s true intent, as the global context has shifted in its favor.
Energy and resource concerns now weigh heavily on Ukraine. The war in the Middle East has strained fuel supplies and driven up prices, affecting frontline troops reliant on diesel for their vehicles. Conversely, Russia benefits from increased energy exports, funding weapons production and soldier wages.
There are also worries about a potential shortage of US defensive missiles, as Patriot systems are deployed in the Iran conflict. “The longer the war in the Middle East continues, the greater the risk we will receive less weaponry,” Zelensky told journalists in Kyiv. “This is extremely difficult – perhaps one of the most challenging tasks.”
Zelensky also noted that the frontline is “stable,” marked by localized gains and losses, and that the risk of a significant Russian breakthrough has diminished. Despite this, Ukraine’s current strategy remains centered on maintaining defensive positions rather than pursuing major offensives.
