Ukrainian President Signals Openness to Easter Ceasefire Amid Deadly Russian Strikes

On Friday, Russian military strikes resulted in the deaths of at least eight individuals in various parts of Ukraine, including a significant missile and drone assault near Kyiv, as reported by local authorities. Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of altering its tactics to inflict greater harm on civilians, with attacks occurring during daylight hours and plans to expand targeting beyond energy systems to other critical infrastructure. In response, President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated a willingness to consider a truce for Easter, which both Ukraine and Russia observe on April 12. Zelensky also noted that Ukrainian intelligence suggests a forthcoming change in Russian aerial strategies, moving beyond energy-focused assaults. Meanwhile, Russia's Defence Ministry claimed to have intercepted 192 Ukrainian drones overnight in Russian territory and occupied Crimea. Mykola Kalashnyk, head of the Kyiv regional military administration, described the attack on the capital area as massive in a Telegram post, expressing distress over the situation.