**Russian Forces Target Ukrainian Volunteer with FPV Drones During Easter Ceasefire**
As the Easter ceasefire was supposed to take effect, Russian forces targeted a Ukrainian volunteer’s vehicle with three FPV drones in Donetsk Oblast. The incident occurred on April 20, while Yevhen Tkachov, a volunteer, was evacuating civilians from the village of Zoria.
Tkachov reported that despite displaying emergency lights and waving his arms to show he was a civilian, one of the first drones struck just half a meter from his car. He motioned for the two cars behind him to proceed, but his own vehicle wouldn’t start after being damaged in the drone strike. A second FPV drone then circled overhead and struck nearby, wounding one of the civilians with shrapnel. The third drone destroyed their car before they were rescued by a chaplain.
**Ceasefire Violations Continue**
This incident is just another example of Russia’s lack of sincerity in pursuing peace talks. President Volodymyr Zelensky has been documenting every Russian violation of its self-declared commitment to a full ceasefire during the Easter period. He has also expressed his readiness to provide information to partners, stating that either Putin doesn’t have control over his army or there is no genuine intention to end the war.
In fact, multiple ceasefire violations have been reported across the front line since April 19. At least one person was killed and four others injured in Kherson Oblast during this time. Zelensky has criticized Russia’s Easter ceasefire, saying it was only meant for “favorable PR coverage.”
**Russia’s Coal Exports to China Drop**
Interestingly, Russia’s coal exports to China have dropped by almost 7% in 2024 compared to the previous year. This could be an indication of the economic strain caused by the ongoing war.
**Ukraine’s Resilience**
Despite continued attacks and ceasefire violations, Ukraine remains steadfast in its commitment to peace talks. President Zelensky has lauded the country’s “resilience, compassion, and humanity” in his Easter address on April 20. The ceremony took place at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, led by Patriarch Kirill, a staunch supporter of both Putin and the war in Ukraine.
**Ukrainian Diplomat Speaks Out**
Ukrainian diplomat Andrii Melnyk has written about the importance of Germany’s role in stopping murder and bringing about a just peace. He noted that at least 67 Ukrainian priests, pastors, and monks have been killed or tortured by Russian forces since the start of the full-scale invasion.
**Russian President Announces Ceasefire**
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary ceasefire on the Easter weekend, ordering a halt to all military action from 6 p.m. Moscow time on April 19 until midnight on April 21. However, this announcement has been met with skepticism, as multiple ceasefire violations have been reported across the front line.
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