Escalation in Ukraine: Reports of Drone Attacks Post Easter Ceasefire
In the latest developments of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Ukrainian military officials have reported numerous drone attacks by Russia, occurring just hours after a 30-hour Easter ceasefire declared by President Vladimir Putin expired. The ceasefire, intended for humanitarian reasons, was meant to last until midnight Moscow time on Sunday; however, both Russia and Ukraine accused each other of violating the truce.
In a series of overnight assaults, Russia launched 96 drones and three missiles targeting key regions including Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Cherkasy. According to Ukraine’s air force, defensive measures took down 42 drones, while an additional 47 were redirected through electronic warfare. Air raid alerts were activated across several Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Kherson, and Mykolaiv, though officials reported no immediate casualties or significant damage from these strikes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Putin’s ceasefire as a mere public relations maneuver, declaring that Russian forces continued their attacks on various frontline regions. Zelenskyy alleged that Moscow breached the ceasefire multiple times. Meanwhile, Washington expressed support for extending the ceasefire, and Zelenskyy indicated a willingness to hold back strikes for a 30-day period, although Putin did not agree to prolong the truce.
In a notable political turn, former U.S. President Donald Trump remarked that a breakthrough in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia could be imminent, acknowledging the potential for both nations to engage in economic dealings with the United States. Trump had expressed intentions to withdraw U.S. peace efforts unless substantial progress was seen.
Tragically, in the Kherson region, at least three people were reported killed, with additional injuries sustained during Russian attacks, which included strikes on residential areas. Eyewitness accounts detailed harrowing scenes, including the death of a woman hit by a drone while walking.
As tensions escalate once again along the frontlines, the Ukrainian military reported extensive hostilities, claiming Russian forces engaged in over 900 drone attacks and shelling aimed at Ukrainian positions. This highlights the continuing volatility of the conflict, with no clear resolution in sight as both sides prepare for potential intensifications in the weeks ahead.
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