**Missile Strike on Kharkiv Leaves 120 Injured, Governor Reports**
A devastating Russian missile strike on the northeastern city of Kharkiv has left a trail of destruction and injury. According to Oleh Syniehubov, governor of Kharkiv Oblast, 120 people were injured in the attack on April 18.
**Emergency Response Underway**
The strike damaged more than 50 apartment buildings and over 30 vehicles, causing widespread chaos. Emergency crews have been working tirelessly to clear debris and restore basic services. The governor reported that 18 people remain hospitalized, including four children, with two adult patients in critical condition.
**Cluster Munitions Used in Attack**
Russia’s attack on Kharkiv was carried out using ballistic missiles equipped with cluster munitions, a type of explosive device that scatters smaller bombs over a wide area. This is the second time this week that Russia has used such munitions in an attack on Ukrainian cities, following a strike on Sumy on Palm Sunday.
**Putin Announces Easter Ceasefire**
In a surprise move, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary ceasefire for Easter weekend, ordering a halt to all military action from 6 p.m. Moscow time on April 19 until midnight on April 21. However, Russia continues to reject a U.S.-mediated proposal for a full 30-day ceasefire.
**Kyiv Remains Skeptical**
The Ukrainian government remains skeptical about the prospect of a ceasefire, with Kyiv reiterating that it would only accept a truce if Moscow agreed to abide by its terms. The proposed ceasefire has raised hopes among civilians caught in the crossfire, but many are wary of Russia’s intentions.
**A Closer Look at Cluster Munitions**
Cluster munitions have been widely criticized for their indiscriminate and devastating effects on civilian populations. These explosive devices scatter smaller bombs over a wide area, often hitting unintended targets. Their use has been banned under some international conventions, and their deployment in Ukraine has sparked outrage from human rights groups and governments around the world.
**Commentary**
The continued use of cluster munitions by Russian forces is a stark reminder of the humanitarian costs of this conflict. The fact that civilians are being targeted with such precision and ferocity is a grave concern for international observers. As tensions remain high, one can only hope that both sides will take steps towards de-escalation and find a peaceful resolution to this ongoing crisis.
**Analysis**
The refusal by Russia to accept a full 30-day ceasefire proposal by the U.S. has significant implications for the future of this conflict. If Moscow continues to pursue military action without regard for civilian casualties, it’s likely that further atrocities will be committed on both sides. Kyiv must remain vigilant and firm in its negotiations with Moscow to ensure that any truce is truly just and secure.
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