As Ukraine prepares to mark Easter – a significant religious holiday observed by millions across the country – instead of a ceasefire or symbolic pause in hostilities, Russian strikes appeared to escalate on Friday, killing 14 people nationwide.
Russia has recently stepped up daytime aerial attacks after months of launching most of its large-scale strikes at night. The attacks hit multiple regions, damaging residential areas, transport links and essential services, while exposing civilians to sustained bombardment during one of the year’s most important holidays.
Pope calls Zelensky
Pope Leo XIV used the Easter period to reaffirm his closeness to the Ukrainian people.
In a call with President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Vatican said Pope Leo stressed the urgency of ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those suffering from the conflict. He also spoke of efforts to secure the release of prisoners and expressed hope that the international community would work toward a cessation of hostilities and a lasting peace.
Posting on X after the call, Zelensky said Russian forces had launched a wave of drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities even as the two leaders were speaking. He said at least five regions had been hit in an ongoing assault that began the previous night, calling it an “Easter escalation” and a direct rebuff to Ukraine’s proposal for an Easter ceasefire.
“Not a single hour of peace for our people, and this is Russia’s response to our proposal for an Easter ceasefire,” Zelensky wrote.
The president said he and Pope Leo also discussed the negotiation process, Kyiv’s work with the US team, and the situation in the Middle East and Gulf region. He expressed gratitude for the Vatican’s help in securing the return of abducted Ukrainian children and for humanitarian assistance provided during the winter. Zelensky also thanked Pope Leo for keeping Ukraine in his prayers.