Zelenskyy Urges Easter Ceasefire

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for a ceasefire during the Easter holidays, saying such a pause could demonstrate that diplomacy can produce results. His remarks came after Ukraine reported a large-scale Russian drone attack across multiple regions.

In an address published April 1, Zelenskyy said more than 700 Russian drones had been launched over a 24-hour period, with Ukrainian forces intercepting about 90% of them. He reported damage in several regions, including strikes on energy facilities, residential buildings, food warehouses and a Nova Poshta terminal in Lutsk. Recovery efforts were underway, he said.

Zelenskyy described the attacks as Russia’s response to Ukraine’s ceasefire proposal and said he had discussed the situation with U.S. officials. He also reported talks with Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Lindsey Graham and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on diplomacy, security guarantees and European involvement.

The Ukrainian president said his government would update proposals for postwar security guarantees and reconstruction. He also cited discussions with the leaders of Norway and the United Kingdom, as well as ongoing defense cooperation talks with countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, Iraq, Bahrain and Türkiye.