Zelensky Accuses Russia of 'Easter Escalation' Amid Escalating Attacks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Moscow of choosing 'Easter escalation' over an Easter ceasefire after Russia carried out another deadly large-scale drone and missile attack on Ukraine. Six civilians were killed and 40 others injured as Russia launched hundreds of drones and missiles across the country.Major daytime attacks, which were once rare, have been increasing, despite efforts to end the war led by the US having stalled. Zelensky agreed with a British intelligence assessment that the situation on the frontline in the east was the 'most favourable' for Ukraine in 10 months, as the advance of Russian troops appears to have slowed. However, there has been no let-up in the air raids.In the Zhytomyr region, rescuers searched for survivors beneath the rubble where a whole line of houses was destroyed. In Kyiv, a drone caused a fire after crashing into an apartment block, while Kharkiv experienced one of its largest attacks this year, with casualties reported. Zelensky condemned the barrage as Russia's retaliation against his proposal for a temporary truce for Easter, stating, 'The Russians have only intensified their strikes, turning what should have been silence in the skies into an Easter escalation.'As Ukraine launched its own deep strikes targeting Russian energy facilities, the war's ripple effects raised concerns over potential fuel shortages as the conflict with Iran led to rising prices. Despite repeated offers for a holiday truce, the ongoing violence raises doubts about Russia's willingness to negotiate, as the global context appears to have shifted in its favor.