Zelensky Accuses Russia of ‘Easter Escalation’ Amid Deadly Attacks

SNN – Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of choosing escalation instead of peace after launching a large-scale wave of drone and missile attacks during the Easter period.

Ukrainian officials said at least six civilians were killed and around 40 others injured as hundreds of drones and missiles struck multiple regions across the country.

Zelensky said the attacks came despite Ukraine proposing a temporary ceasefire during the Easter holiday, which is observed by Orthodox Christians in both Ukraine and Russia.

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

Heavy strikes were reported in several areas, including the Zhytomyr region, where entire rows of homes were destroyed, forcing rescue teams to search for survivors under the rubble. In the Kyiv region, a drone hit a residential building, causing fires and damage.

In Kharkiv, local authorities described one of the largest attacks on the city so far, leaving at least one person dead and several others critically injured.

The latest escalation comes as international efforts to end the war have slowed. Talks led by Donald Trump and his team have stalled, with attention shifting toward tensions in the Middle East.

Despite the ongoing air raids, Zelensky noted that conditions on the eastern frontline have improved for Ukraine in recent months, with Russian advances appearing to slow.

However, the broader geopolitical situation is creating new challenges for Kyiv. Rising global energy prices linked to the Middle East conflict are expected to benefit Russia by increasing its revenues from energy exports, potentially strengthening its ability to fund military operations.

At the same time, concerns are growing in Ukraine over the availability of Western military support. Officials warn that U.S. defensive systems, including Patriot missile systems, are increasingly being deployed in other conflicts, raising fears of reduced supply to Ukraine.

“The longer the war in the Middle East continues, the greater the risk that we will receive less weaponry,” Zelensky said in remarks to journalists in Kyiv, describing the situation as one of the most difficult challenges facing his country.

Zelensky added that the frontline situation remains “stable,” with limited territorial gains and losses on both sides. He suggested that the immediate threat of a major Russian breakthrough has eased.

Nevertheless, Ukraine’s strategy now appears focused on holding defensive positions rather than launching large-scale offensives, as the war enters a prolonged and uncertain phase.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has continued its own strikes inside Russia, targeting energy and industrial facilities. Reports indicate attacks on sites in Togliatti and Taganrog, with Russian authorities confirming damage and injuries following drone incidents.

Zelensky said Ukraine remains open to a temporary truce if Moscow agrees, adding that U.S. officials are welcome to continue mediation efforts between Kyiv and Moscow.

However, uncertainty remains over whether meaningful peace talks will resume, as both sides continue military operations and the broader geopolitical situation evolves.