Russian aggression in Ukraine has escalated, causing significant damage to infrastructure in various regions. In Lviv, a cruise missile strike killed one man and destroyed a building, leading to a fire. Rescue operations were underway in the area. In the Kharkiv region, another attack killed a 19-year-old man after a missile hit a gas station. Additionally, in the Odesa region, hundreds of thousands of people were left without power after a Russian drone caused a blaze at an energy facility. The Ukrainian air force managed to shoot down several drones and cruise missiles launched by Russia.
The Zmiiv Thermal Power Plant in the Kharkiv region was completely destroyed by Russian shelling, affecting around 120,000 people in the region. Power outages continued to impact the area, with 700,000 residents losing electricity after the initial attack. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a message marking Easter, urged Ukrainians to persevere in the face of Russian terror. He highlighted the ongoing attacks and expressed determination to defend the country against aggression.
While celebrating Easter Sunday, Ukraine’s various Christian denominations observed different dates due to the use of the Gregorian and Julian calendars. Zelenskyy and other officials commemorated the liberation of Bucha in the Kyiv region, a town that witnessed atrocities by Russian forces during the invasion. The Ukrainian leader paid homage to the civilians who lost their lives during the occupation. Additionally, in Russia, Czech-made rockets landed in the Belgorod region, injuring one woman. Putin has initiated Russia’s annual spring recruitment season, drafting 150,000 conscripts amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s orders for the recruitment of conscripts signal a further militarization of the country. The age limit for conscripts was raised from 27 to 30, expanding the pool of potential recruits. All Russian men are obliged to complete national service, with deferments granted to certain groups. The recruitment efforts come as Russia continues its military actions in Ukraine. The situation in the region remains volatile, with ongoing attacks and casualties on both sides. Follow AP’s coverage for the latest updates on the conflict in Ukraine.
