As Ukraine observed its third Easter amidst the ongoing conflict, Russia initiated a significant drone assault concentrated in Ukraine's eastern region. The situation on the front line has been deteriorating, with the Kremlin claiming control over a village they had been targeting.
Ukraine's air force reported that Russia deployed 24 Shahed drones, of which 23 were successfully intercepted by air defenses. Unfortunately, a drone strike in the Kharkiv region resulted in six individuals, including a child, sustaining injuries. Additionally, fires broke out in the Dnipropetrovsk region due to debris from downed drones, although no casualties were reported.
The Russian Ministry of Defense declared that their troops had seized the village of Ocheretyne in the Donetsk region. Drone footage revealed extensive damage in the village, indicating the intensity of the conflict in the area.
Authorities in Kyiv advised residents to participate in Orthodox Easter services online for safety reasons. The city administration emphasized the need for vigilance against potential aggressor actions even during festive occasions.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his Easter message, called for unity among Ukrainians in prayer. He expressed confidence in the nation's resilience, stating that with God as an ally, life will triumph over death.
Ukraine's population predominantly identifies as Orthodox Christians, with a division within the church. The Orthodox Church of Ukraine, established independently, contrasts with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which was previously aligned with Moscow but severed ties following the 2022 invasion.
In Moscow, President Vladimir Putin and worshippers attended a nighttime Easter service at Christ the Savior Cathedral, led by Patriarch Kirill. The Russian Orthodox Church's head, known for his support of the Kremlin, presided over the service.
Eastern Orthodox Christians, including those in Ukraine and Russia, commemorate Easter on a different date than Catholic and Protestant denominations due to variations in calculating the holy day marking Christ's resurrection.
For more updates on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, visit AP's coverage.
