Russian strikes Ukraine kill 8 as truce talks emerge

Russian strikes Ukraine intensified Friday with attacks that killed at least eight people across multiple regions, even as Kyiv signaled it remains open to a temporary Easter ceasefire.

Near the capital, Ukrainian officials described a “massive” missile and drone assault that hit several towns around Kyiv. Local authorities reported casualties in Bucha, Fastiv and Obukhiv, areas that have already endured heavy damage earlier in the war.

At the same time, Ukrainian leaders warned that Moscow may be shifting its strategy in ways that could increase civilian harm.

Daytime attacks raise new concerns

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said hundreds of drones and cruise missiles were used overnight, calling the strikes a direct response to Ukraine’s ceasefire proposal.

Across the country, the impact was widespread. In the Sumy region, a guided bomb struck an apartment building, killing at least one person. Additional casualties were reported in Kherson, Kharkiv, Donetsk and Zhytomyr.

In the eastern city of Kramatorsk, aerial bombs killed at least two people, while in Kherson a drone strike hit a bus, injuring multiple passengers.

Kyiv keeps door open for Easter ceasefire

Despite the escalation, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine remains open to a temporary truce during Easter, which is observed on April 12 in both Ukraine and Russia.

The proposal has been communicated to Moscow through U.S. channels, though the Kremlin has not given a clear response. Russian officials have indicated they prefer a broader, long-term settlement rather than a short pause in fighting.

Previous attempts at temporary ceasefires have failed. Last year, a brief Easter truce collapsed quickly, with both sides accusing each other of violations.

Fears of broader targeting and prolonged conflict

Ukrainian intelligence now suggests that Russia may expand its targets beyond energy infrastructure. Officials warn that logistics networks, railways and water systems could become the next focus of attacks.

At the same time, Ukrainian leaders say the battlefield situation has stabilized somewhat in recent weeks. Zelenskyy described current conditions as the most favorable for Ukraine in months, citing intelligence assessments and slowed Russian advances.

Still, the continued wave of strikes underscores the uncertainty ahead. While diplomatic signals remain open, the escalation on the ground suggests that any ceasefire—temporary or lasting—remains far from guaranteed.