**Russian Attacks Continue Unabated, Leaving Death and Destruction in Ukraine**
In the latest example of Russia’s disregard for human life, at least three people were killed and nine others injured in attacks on Ukrainian settlements over the past day. The assaults took place in Donetsk Oblast, where two people were killed and five more were injured in Russian shelling.
According to Governor Vadym Filashkin, Russian forces launched 18 attacks on settlements in Donetsk Oblast alone. Multiple incidents of property damage were reported, highlighting the devastating impact of Russia’s aggression on Ukrainian civilians.
Meanwhile, in Kherson Oblast, at least four people were injured and one person was killed in a series of targeted drone strikes. The attacks occurred despite Russia’s supposed Easter ceasefire, which was meant to come into effect from 6 p.m. on April 19 until midnight on April 21.
“This is yet another reminder that Russia holds nothing sacred — and trusting the occupiers’ words is to risk your life,” said Governor Oleksandr Prokudin in response to the attacks.
**Russia’s Ceasefire Claims Fall Flat**
The supposed Easter ceasefire has been widely criticized as a ploy by Russia to manipulate public opinion. With reports emerging of Russian forces carrying out hundreds of shellings and assault operations across Ukraine, it is clear that Moscow’s intention was never genuine.
President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russian forces had carried out 387 shellings and 19 assault operations between 6 p.m. and midnight on April 20 alone. He added that drones were used at least 290 times during the same period, highlighting the sheer scale of Russia’s aggression.
**Ukraine Stands Firm Against Aggression**
In contrast to Russia’s flailing attempts to justify its actions, Ukraine has maintained a steadfast commitment to peace. President Zelensky has praised the resilience and compassion of the Ukrainian people in the face of full-scale war, emphasizing that faith remains strong despite over 1,152 days of conflict.
The president also highlighted the devastating impact of Russian aggression on Ukraine’s religious sites, with at least 67 priests, pastors, or monks killed or tortured by Russian forces. Some 640 religious sites have been destroyed since the start of the invasion.
**Global Response to Russia’s Aggression**
As the world watches Ukraine struggle against Russian aggression, international condemnation is growing. Iran has filed a case at the International Court of Justice seeking to overturn a ruling that held Tehran responsible for the 2020 downing of a Ukrainian passenger jet.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has developed a draft concept for monitoring a comprehensive ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, should one be achieved. This development comes as Moldova’s parliament voted to hold elections on September 28, potentially threatening the majority currently held by pro-Western President Maia Sandu’s party.
**No End in Sight**
As Russia continues to attack Ukrainian settlements with impunity, it is clear that there is no end in sight for this conflict. With Ukraine standing firm against aggression and international support growing, one thing remains certain: Russia will not be able to silence the Ukrainian people without facing significant consequences.
**What’s Next?**
The situation on the ground in Ukraine continues to deteriorate, with Russian troops solidifying their presence in the village of Kalynove in Donetsk Oblast. As the world waits for a breakthrough in negotiations, one thing is clear: only through international pressure and unwavering support for Ukraine can we hope to bring an end to this devastating conflict.
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