Russia Launches 500+ Drones Bombing Ukraine Despite Easter Truce Proposal
Key Takeaways
- Russia launched hundreds of drones and missiles in a daytime nationwide attack.
- Zelensky branded it 'Easter escalation' after Ukraine proposed an Easter ceasefire.
- Casualties and impact figures vary, with reports from two to fourteen killed.
Russia Bombs Ukraine Easter
Russia launched more than 500 drones and missiles across Ukraine on Good Friday.
President Zelensky denounced the strikes as an Easter escalation and the Russians' response to Ukraine's truce offer.
The deadliest strikes hit residential areas with a whole line of houses destroyed in Zhytomyr.
The Ukrainian Air Force said it had destroyed 515 drones and 26 missiles since Thursday evening.
The escalation came as US-led peace efforts have stalled.
Ukraine Presses Peace Talks
Zelensky continued to press peace talks despite the bombardment.
The Kremlin dismissed the Easter truce as not a clearly formulated initiative.
Zelensky agreed with British intelligence that the frontline was most favourable for Ukraine in 10 months.
Pope Leo XIV Backs Peace
Zelensky spoke with Pope Leo XIV, who has called for a just and lasting peace.
The pope stressed the urgency of ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those suffering.
Zelensky expressed gratitude for the Vatican's help in returning abducted Ukrainian children.
Ukraine would welcome an apostolic visit from the pontiff.
The juxtaposition of prayers for peace with a massive bombardment underscored the stark contrast.
More on Ukraine War
Ukraine Shoots Down Iranian Shahed Drones Across Middle Eastern Countries
12 sources compared
Russian Drone Strikes Kill Three Including Toddler in Odesa
12 sources compared
Ukraine And Syria Restore Diplomatic Relations And Reopen Embassies After Nearly A Decade
41 sources compared
Ukraine Strikes Russia's Primorsk Port and NORSI Refinery, Inflicting Major Damage
20 sources compared