Russian strikes on Odesa kill 2 ahead of Orthodox Easter ceasefire
[April 11, 2026]
By DEREK GATOPOULOS
KYIV,
Ukraine (AP) — Russian drone strikes killed at least two people in the
Ukrainian city of Odesa overnight into Saturday, local authorities
reported, ahead of a proposed ceasefire for Orthodox Easter.
A further
two people were wounded in the attack on the Black Sea port city, when
drones hit a residential area, damaging apartment buildings, houses and
a kindergarten.
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A rescue worker walks in front of residential building which was heavily
damaged after a Russian strike in Odesa, Ukraine, Monday, April 6, 2026.
(AP Photo/Michael Shtekel) |
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According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia targeted Ukraine
with 160 drones overnight, of which 133 were shot down or
intercepted, hours before a proposed Easter ceasefire was due to
come into force.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said 99 Ukrainian drones were shot
down overnight across Russia and occupied Crimea.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday declared a 32-hour
ceasefire over the Orthodox Easter weekend, ordering Russian
forces to halt hostilities from 4 p.m. Saturday until the end of
Sunday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy promised Saturday to
abide by the ceasefire, describing it as an opportunity to build
on peace initiatives. But he warned there would be a swift
military response to any violations.
“Easter should be a time of silence and safety. A ceasefire (at)
Easter could also become the beginning of real movement toward
peace,” Zelenskyy wrote in an online post on Saturday.
But he added: “We all understand who we are dealing with.
Ukraine will adhere to the ceasefire and respond strictly in
kind.”
Ukraine earlier proposed to Russia a pause in attacks on each
other’s energy infrastructure over the Orthodox Easter holiday.
Previous ceasefire attempts have had little impact, with both
sides accusing each other of violations.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Friday described Putin’s move
as a “humanitarian” gesture, but said Moscow remains focused on
a comprehensive settlement based on its longstanding demands — a
key sticking point that has prevented the two sides from
reaching an agreement.
A possible prisoner exchange over the Easter holiday has also
been discussed.
Russia’s human rights ombudswoman Tatyana Moskalkova said last
week that both sides were working on exchanges of prisoners.
Periodic prisoner exchanges have been one of the few positive
outcomes of otherwise fruitless monthslong U.S.-brokered
negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. The talks have delivered
no progress on key issues preventing an end to Russia’s invasion
of its neighbor, now in its fifth year.
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