Russian Attacks On Ukrainian Cities Of Odesa And Kramatorsk Ahead Of Easter Ceasefire

At least two people were killed in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa following a Russian drone strike overnight into Saturday, just hours before a proposed ceasefire for Orthodox Easter was expected to come into effect. Local authorities reported that the attack targeted a residential area, injuring two others and causing significant damage to apartment buildings, houses, and a kindergarten. In a separate incident, an airstrike on the eastern city of Kramatorsk left at least 10 people injured, according to the Ukrainian National Police. The attacks underscore the continued volatility of the conflict despite diplomatic efforts to pause hostilities. Ukraine’s Air Force stated that Russia launched a total of 160 drones overnight, of which 133 were successfully intercepted or shot down by air defence systems. The strikes highlight ongoing security challenges as hopes for a temporary Easter ceasefire remain uncertain. The developments come amid the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war, with civilians continuing to bear the brunt of the violence. The international community is closely monitoring the situation as efforts to de-escalate tensions continue.