At least ten civilians have been killed in a series of cross-border attacks between Ukraine and Russia, according to officials from both nations. The violence comes just one day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated his call for an Easter ceasefire.
In Ukraine, authorities reported that at least seven people lost their lives in Russian strikes on residential areas. Meanwhile, Russian officials stated that three civilians were killed in Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory.
"The timing of these attacks is particularly tragic," said a regional Ukrainian official who requested anonymity due to security concerns. "Just as we were discussing the possibility of a humanitarian pause for the holiday, more families are mourning their loved ones."
The reciprocal nature of the strikes has complicated diplomatic efforts to establish temporary ceasefires for religious observances. President Zelenskyy had appealed for a pause in hostilities during the Orthodox Easter period, which begins this weekend for many in the region.
Analysts note that such cross-border civilian casualties have become increasingly common as the conflict enters its third year, with both sides accusing the other of targeting non-combatants. The latest incidents underscore the challenges facing international mediators attempting to broker even temporary humanitarian pauses in the ongoing war.