Ukrainian President condemned Russian air strikes on Palm Sunday that killed civilians, as conflict continues in the Donetsk region with failed advances by Russian forces and Ukrainian military repelling over 40 attacks, while Pope Francis offered prayers for peace.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy criticized the Russian air strikes that took place on Orthodox Palm Sunday, April 9. The attack killed a man and his daughter at their residence in the city of Zaporizhzhia. Additionally, Ukraine’s military reported that Moscow’s forces had carried out attacks and shelling throughout the front, with the most intense fighting taking place in Bakhmut and Avdiivka, two cities in the eastern Donetsk region. Bakhmut, which has been under siege for several months, has been the scene of the longest battle in over a year of fighting.
Attack on Zaporizhzhia
The State Emergencies Service of Ukraine reported that in the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia, a residential building was struck by Moscow’s forces resulting in the death of a 50-year-old man and his 11-year-old daughter. The wife and mother of the victims were rescued from the rubble. Zelenskiy expressed his anger and stated in his nightly video address, “This is how the terrorist state marks Palm Sunday…This is how Russia places itself in even greater isolation from the world.”
Russian Military Actions
The Russian Defense Ministry stated that its forces destroyed a depot that contained 70,000 tons of fuel near Zaporizhzhia. It was also reported that the Russian military had demolished Ukrainian army facilities in the Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions that had held weapons, missiles, and ammunition. The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces has disclosed that it has successfully repelled over 40 attacks from the enemy in the past 24 hours.
Failed Advances and Shelling
According to the report, the Russian military made unsuccessful attempts to advance in the areas west of Bakhmut, which was once a city with a population of 70,000 but is now largely destroyed due to the ongoing conflict. At least ten towns and villages have been under Russian shelling. The report also noted that Moscow’s forces made no progress in their attacks on Avdiivka, another area of focus in the east, and reported widespread Russian shelling in northern regions. According to authorities in the southern region, Russian planes targeted towns in the Kherson area using guided bombs.
Ukrainian Military Actions
Although Ukrainian forces will continue to defend Bakhmut against repeated Russian attacks, Zelenskiy acknowledged that if the troops’ risk is encircled, they could be withdrawn. During a national television appearance, Serhiy Cherevatyi, a representative for Ukraine’s eastern military command, declared that the adversary was making every effort to seize their city fortress. Despite the challenges, he added that they were currently in command of the situation. According to Ukrainian military analyst Oleh Zhdanov, the Russian forces have seized control of the center of Bakhmut, and are currently directing their efforts toward the city’s railway station. He further stated that their troops were successfully defending against the enemy’s attacks and causing significant damage to them.
Pope Francis’ Prayer for Peace
The Pope, who has expressed opposition to Russia’s war, offered prayers for peace during Easter proceedings at the Vatican. He requested divine intervention to guide the cherished Ukrainian people on their path to peace and to bring illumination to the Russian people.
Recent Escalation and International Response
The war between Ukraine and Russia has been ongoing for over seven years, and the recent escalation of violence on Orthodox Palm Sunday has resulted in additional civilian casualties. President Zelenskiy’s condemnation of Russia’s terrorist state marking Palm Sunday highlights the gravity of the situation. The failed advances of Russian forces in Bakhmut and Avdiivka and the repelling of more than 40 enemy attacks demonstrate the Ukrainian military’s resilience. Pope Francis’ prayer for peace reminds us that, despite the ongoing conflict, we must remain hopeful that a peaceful resolution will be found.
