Zelensky urges Russian ceasefire amid renewed hostilities

• President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated his appeal to Russia for a ceasefire on civilian targets, stating that Kyiv has no barriers to initiating talks.
• Russian attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, including in Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Odessa, are described by Zelensky as calculated acts of terror that can be halted with a single directive from Russia.
• The situation on the front has escalated back to the intensity experienced before Easter, as confirmed by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated on Tuesday his call for Russia to end attacks on civilian infrastructure. He stressed that Ukraine is prepared for discussions and presents no obstacles in this regard. Zelensky mentioned that the ceasefire proposal tabled after Easter remains open. He asserted that all that is required is Russia's willingness to partake in these talks.

Rescue operations are underway in Kharkiv following a Russian drone strike. The president also referenced attacks in other regions such as Zaporizhzhia, Odessa, Sumy, Kharkiv, Donetsk, and the southern oblasts. Zelensky characterised these actions as deliberate Russian terror, which can be terminated with a single order from Russia. He emphasised that, during Easter in Ukraine, there were no air raid warnings, demonstrating that a ceasefire is feasible.

Last night, Russian forces launched a large-scale drone strike on Odessa, resulting in fires and injuries among civilians. Local authorities confirmed this information on Tuesday morning. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine indicated that the intensity of combat on the front has returned to the levels witnessed prior to Easter.