Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that, according to intelligence reports, the situation on the frontline is the best it has been in ten months, a view shared by Ukraine’s partners.
Zelenskyy on Frontline Situation and US Negotiations
President Zelenskyy announced that he has received assessments from Ukrainian intelligence services and British intelligence, specifically MI6, indicating the current situation is the best it has been in ten months, a conclusion shared by Ukraine’s partners.
Zelenskyy also stated he invited a US negotiating team to Kyiv, noting that the delegation will do everything possible, despite the ongoing conflict involving Iran, to travel to Kyiv. This is presented as an alternative to a three-party meeting involving working groups, with the US team potentially traveling to Moscow after meeting in Kyiv, or meetings occurring sequentially if a three-way meeting proves impossible.
Massive Russian Attack on Ukraine
Ukraine was targeted by nearly 500 drones and cruise missiles on Friday, resulting in at least one confirmed fatality and multiple injuries, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha on X (formerly Twitter).
A drone struck a residential building in Obukhov. Sybiha accused Russia of deliberately targeting civilians during daylight hours to maximize casualties and destruction.
Moscow’s Response to Peace Proposals
According to Sybiha, Moscow is responding to Ukrainian proposals for a ceasefire during Easter with brutal attacks. He stated that “Russian terrorists reject diplomacy and peace efforts” and “must face the reaction they deserve.”
Casualties and Energy Disruptions
Mykola Kalashnyk, head of the Kyiv Regional Military Administration, reported one death and one injury as a result of a Russian attack in the Kyiv region earlier in the day.
Polish Air Force Response
Due to the massive missile and drone attacks across several regions of Ukraine, emergency power outages were implemented, according to the transmission system operator, Ukrenerho. The Ukrainian energy company DTEK reported that outages affected areas including the capital, Kyiv.
Poland scrambled its fighter jets on Friday in response to the activity of Russian long-range aviation conducting strikes on Ukrainian territory, according to the Operational Command of the Armed Forces.
