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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of intensifying its attacks ahead of Easter, describing the surge in strikes as a deliberate escalation.
Zelensky made the remarks on Friday while speaking by phone with Pope Leo XIV, noting that fresh aerial assaults were underway during their conversation. He said Russia had increased its military activity instead of observing a pause for the holiday period, despite Ukraine’s call for a temporary ceasefire.
According to him, the continued attacks showed Moscow’s rejection of proposals for an Easter truce, stressing that there had been no respite for civilians.
“At the very moment of our conversation, the Russians attacked Ukraine yet again.
“The Russians have only intensified their strikes, turning what should have been silence in the skies into an Easter escalation”.
“Not a single hour of peace for our people, and this is Russia’s response to our proposal for an Easter ceasefire,” Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian leader reiterated that his government remains open to different forms of ceasefire arrangements, including a full or limited truce during the holiday, provided they do not compromise the country’s sovereignty.
Russia, however, has said it has not received any clearly defined proposal for a temporary ceasefire and maintains that its focus is on reaching a broader, long-term settlement to the conflict.
Also on the Call, Zelensky extended Easter greetings to the Pope and expressed hope that he would visit Ukraine in the future.
