Russia Resumes Air Attacks on Ukraine After Brief Easter Truce

Just hours after the Easter holiday, Ukraine is once again under fire as Russian forces resumed airstrikes on Monday, breaking the fragile and brief truce both nations had attempted to honor. Ukrainian regional authorities confirmed renewed attacks on both eastern and southern regions, igniting concerns that a window for peace has already slammed shut.

According to Ukrainian officials, the Dnipropetrovsk region was targeted by Russian drones, resulting in property damage and a fire outbreak. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported. Sergiy Lysak, the regional governor, stated on Telegram that a residential building sustained damage and a fire broke out at a local food establishment following the attack.

Meanwhile, in the southern region of Mykolaiv, the pattern continued. Vitaliy Kim, the governor of Mykolaiv, reported that the region was hit early on the morning of April 21 by missiles, the type of which is still being identified. Again, no casualties or structural damage were recorded in this particular assault, but the message from Russia was clear—the ceasefire was over.

The timing of the attacks has raised alarms internationally, as they follow what was expected to be a mutually respected Easter truce. Both Russia and Ukraine had initially shown signs of restraint, but as is often the case in this protracted and bloody conflict, peace proved fleeting.

President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the situation on Sunday, noting that while there were no air raid sirens throughout Ukraine for the day, Russia had committed more than 2,000 violations of the Easter ceasefire agreement. These violations, though not always resulting in visible or immediate destruction, highlight the fragile and often performative nature of temporary truces in a war that has now dragged on for over three years.

Despite the resumption of hostilities, Zelensky has proposed a new initiative aimed at limiting civilian casualties. He suggested that both sides agree to cease using long-range drones and missile strikes on civilian infrastructure for a period of at least 30 days. The proposal, which focuses specifically on protecting civilian lives and facilities such as hospitals, schools, and residential areas, is a call for humanitarian responsibility amid the chaos.

Zelensky’s suggestion aligns with Ukraine’s broader strategy of positioning itself as the morally responsible party in the eyes of the international community. By proposing clear and humanitarian-centered policies, Kyiv hopes to strengthen its diplomatic support while highlighting the brutal tactics of Russian aggression.

The resumption of Russian attacks also comes after weeks of relative calm in aerial warfare, leading many to believe that the truce, however unofficial or temporary, might last longer than anticipated. But Monday’s early morning missile strikes shattered those hopes and marked a return to a grim status quo.

The Ukrainian military has yet to fully respond to the new wave of aggression, though the Ministry of Defense has warned that all necessary precautions are being taken to safeguard vital infrastructure. The frequency and intensity of air attacks in recent months have significantly strained Ukraine’s air defense systems, which continue to rely heavily on Western-supplied equipment and intelligence.

In Russia, state-run media have remained relatively muted about the violations, instead placing blame squarely on Ukraine for any disruptions during the Easter period. Russian officials accused Ukrainian forces of provocations and downplayed their own involvement, continuing a pattern of disinformation that has persisted since the onset of the invasion in 2022.

The international response to these renewed attacks is still developing, but early statements from European leaders have emphasized the need for restraint and immediate dialogue. NATO has called for an emergency session to discuss the security implications of Russia’s renewed aggression, while the United Nations has reiterated its call for adherence to humanitarian laws and protection of civilians.

For now, residents of Ukraine are bracing once again for sleepless nights in bomb shelters, with air raid sirens expected to return as a grim daily soundtrack. What was supposed to be a brief moment of reflection and hope during Easter has instead turned into yet another reminder of the relentless nature of war.

President Zelensky’s plea for a 30-day suspension of drone and missile attacks targeting civilians remains on the table, though it’s unclear whether Moscow will consider the offer seriously. With tensions mounting and neither side willing to yield, the path to peace remains distant, obscured by smoke and debris.

As the war in Ukraine enters another phase marked by broken truces and hollow ceasefires, the world watches closely, hoping that diplomacy might eventually break through where weaponry has only caused division and despair.