Zelenskyy: Russian attack is response to Easter truce proposal

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Russia's large-scale attack on Ukraine on 1 April is Moscow's response to Ukraine's proposal for a ceasefire over the Easter holidays.

Source: Zelenskyy in his evening address on 1 April

Quote: "Our warriors were downing Russian drones the whole day. Air-raid warnings were issued in most oblasts, and there were more than 700 Russian drones, a significant number of them Shaheds. The interception rate over this 24-hour period was pretty high – around 90% – but of course it needs to be higher.

Sadly, there were hits, including in Volyn, Zakarpattia, Ternopil, Chernivtsi, Cherkasy, Ivano-Frankivsk and other oblasts. Repairs are ongoing wherever needed."

Details: Zelenskyy added that once again, one of Russia's main targets was Ukraine's energy sector. Food warehouses and a Nova Poshta hub were also damaged in the city of Lutsk. Damage was caused to residential buildings in Poltava and other oblasts.

Quote: "This is the Russians' response to our proposal for a ceasefire over the Easter holidays. Ukraine made the proposal to Russia publicly. Russia is responding with Shaheds and continues its terrorist operations against our energy sector and infrastructure.

I spoke with the US team today, including about this. Different signals are needed, and silence over Easter could be just the signal that tells everyone that diplomacy can succeed. Ukraine is doing everything possible to support efforts for peace."

Details: Zelenskyy spoke with US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and Senator Lindsey Graham and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

He described the conversation as positive. The parties agreed to strengthen security guarantees for Ukraine, and Zelenskyy instructed the Ukrainian team to update the documents.

Zelenskyy also said that Rustem Umierov, Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, is continuing to work with countries that are interested in Ukrainian military expertise. In addition to some Gulf Arab states, Türkiye and several countries outside the Middle East are interested in cooperating with Ukraine.

Background: After a drone strike on the night of 31 March-1 April, Russia launched further UAV attacks that lasted well into the evening. Air defence downed 345 Russian drones during the day on 1 April, while 14 hits were recorded.

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