Russia Formally Resumes Hostilities After Easter Ceasefire, Turns Down Zelensky’s 30-Day Proposal, and Expands Territorial Claims While Global Catholic Leader Passes Away
Summary of the Day – April 21, 2025
The Russian Defense Ministry formally announced the resumption of hostilities on April 21 following the expiration of Putin’s 30-hour Easter truce. As air attacks resumed, Putin rejected Zelensky’s proposal for a 30-day moratorium on strikes against civilian infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Kremlin responded favorably to U.S. peace plan elements excluding Ukraine from NATO, a Russian-appointed official called for control of the entire Dnipro River through three Ukrainian oblasts, and Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi warned of intensified Russian operations in Ukraine’s northeastern regions. The world also mourned the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at 88, with President Zelensky noting the pontiff had “prayed for peace in Ukraine.”
Children splash water in the city fountain on the square in front of the Opera House on Wet Monday in Lviv. The day after Easter, many Christians in the region celebrate Wet Monday. (Michael Sorrow/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The Illusory Truce: Easter Ceasefire Violated Nearly 3,000 Times
The 30-hour “Easter truce” announced by Vladimir Putin—supposedly in effect from 6 p.m. on April 19 until midnight on April 21—proved largely symbolic, with Ukrainian officials documenting nearly 3,000 violations during the period. According to President Zelensky, these included 96 Russian assaults on Ukrainian positions, 1,882 instances of shelling, and 950 first-person-view (FPV) drone strikes.
While air raid sirens were notably silent across Ukraine during Easter Sunday, fighting continued along the front lines with varying intensity. The Russian Ministry of Defense formally announced the resumption of hostilities immediately after the ceasefire expired, with fresh attacks launched against Odesa, Sumy, and multiple other regions overnight.
“There was no ceasefire from the Russian side. It’s more of an imitation that Russia wants some kind of truce,” said Andriy Demchenko, spokesperson for Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service. “The attacks actually took place from the first hours of the day—from the moment the ceasefire was supposed to be in effect.”
In Kherson, three civilians were killed and three injured in Russian attacks during the supposed truce period. In Donetsk Oblast, Russian strikes wounded four people in various settlements despite the declared pause in hostilities.
Putin’s Brush-Off: Zelensky’s Civilian Infrastructure Proposal Rejected
Building on the relative quiet in the skies during Easter, President Zelensky proposed extending the ceasefire with a 30-day moratorium specifically targeting long-range missile and drone strikes against civilian infrastructure, with the possibility of extending it further.
“There is an obvious, simplest, and most reliable way, namely: to stop the strikes of missiles and long-range drones, and this will automatically guarantee the preservation of all civilian infrastructure,” Zelensky said. “It is a ceasefire—a real, lasting one—that should be the first step towards a reliable and lasting peace.”
Putin swiftly rejected the proposal on April 21, stating that Russia would need to “sort out” the proposed civilian infrastructure strikes moratorium. While claiming Russia maintains “a positive attitude towards any peace initiatives,” Putin offered no concrete commitment to limit attacks on Ukrainian cities.
The Kremlin attempted to soften the rejection by suggesting that Russia needs to study strikes against civilian targets where military personnel might be operating and “make appropriate decisions.” This rationalization followed the established Russian pattern of justifying attacks on civilian areas by claiming military presence—as Putin did when acknowledging recent missile strikes against Sumy City that killed 35 people on April 13.
In Memoriam: Pope Francis Dies at 88, Zelensky Extends Condolences
Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, died on April 21 at the age of 88 in his residence in Vatican City, the Vatican news service reported. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” said Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo.
President Zelensky offered condolences following the news, remembering the Pope for knowing “how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity.” In a social media post, Zelensky noted that “He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians. We grieve together with Catholics and all Christians who looked to Pope Francis for spiritual support.”
A woman walks by a portrait of Pope Francis in the Church of the Blessed Eucharist in the city of Lviv, Ukraine , amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Yuriy Dyachyshyn / AFP via Getty Images)
The pontiff’s death occurred just one day after a brief meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the Vatican, and amid intensifying diplomatic activity surrounding the war in Ukraine. World leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, joined in extending condolences.
Throughout the full-scale war, Pope Francis had repeatedly called for peace in Ukraine and an end to the violence that has claimed thousands of lives. His passing marks the end of a pontificate that began in 2013 when he became the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church.
Kremlin Response to U.S. Peace Proposal: NATO Exclusion “Satisfies” Moscow
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on April 21 that U.S. statements ruling out Ukraine’s membership in NATO align with Russia’s views and “satisfy” Moscow. The comments directly addressed the controversial U.S. peace proposal reported a day earlier by the Wall Street Journal.
“We have heard from Washington at various levels that Ukraine’s membership in NATO is out of the question,” Peskov told the Interfax news agency. “Of course, this is something that satisfies us and aligns with our position that Ukraine should not be a NATO member.”
Peskov was more circumspect regarding another key element of the reported U.S. proposal—potential recognition of Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea. “The path toward a peaceful resolution cannot and should not take place in the public arena,” he stated, declining to address that aspect directly.
The Kremlin spokesperson’s comments provide the first official Russian reaction to the leaked U.S. peace framework, which has placed enormous pressure on Kyiv. The proposal reportedly includes provisions that directly contradict Ukraine’s stated red lines, including its refusal to recognize any Russian territorial control over occupied regions.
Trump’s Deal Optimism: “Very Good Chance” of Agreement This Week
President Donald Trump expressed confidence that Russia and Ukraine could reach a war-ending agreement imminently, telling reporters at a White House Easter event on April 21 that prospects were promising.
US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he hosts the annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House, in Washington, DC. (Mandel Ngan /AFP via Getty Images)
“I will be giving you full details over the next three days, but we had very good meetings on Ukraine, Russia,” Trump said. “There is a very good chance (to reach a ceasefire).”
The president also wrote on his Truth Social platform: “Hopefully Russia and Ukraine will make a deal this week. Both will then start to do big business with the United States of America, which is thriving, and make a fortune.”
Trump’s optimistic comments came just days after Secretary of State Marco Rubio signaled the U.S. might abandon mediation efforts if progress stalled. The administration appears determined to secure a diplomatic breakthrough by the end of April—marking the 100-day point of Trump’s presidency, when he had initially promised to end the conflict.
Expanding Russian Claims: The Dnipro River as the Next Frontier
Russian state media amplified calls from Vladimir Saldo, the Moscow-installed head of occupied Kherson, for additional Ukrainian territorial concessions beyond areas Russia has formally claimed. Saldo told Kremlin newswire TASS on April 21 that the “return” of the west bank of the Dnipro River is “fundamentally important” and an “absolute priority” for Russia.
Saldo further claimed that “the segment of the Dnipro River that passes through Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts must be completely under Russian control” to guarantee infrastructure development. This statement represents a significant expansion of Russian territorial ambitions, as Dnipropetrovsk Oblast has not been formally claimed or illegally annexed by Russia.
The claims align with Putin’s references to “Novorossiya”—an imperial-era term used to justify Russian territorial claims in southern Ukraine. During an April 21 ceremony, Putin invoked the concept, claiming municipal workers are laboring in difficult conditions “in the regions of Donbas and Novorossiya.”
Russian officials have also continued reiterating pre-war demands. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed on April 21 that Ukraine’s potential NATO membership would threaten Russia’s national interests and remains one of the “root causes” of the war. These statements reflect Russia’s strategy of presenting its pre-war demands as non-negotiable while simultaneously expanding its territorial claims.
London Talks Announced: Zelensky Confirms Critical Diplomatic Meeting
Following a phone call with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on April 21, President Zelensky announced that representatives from Ukraine, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States will meet in London on April 23 to continue talks on a potential ceasefire in Russia’s war.
“We are ready to move forward as constructively as possible, just as we have done before, to achieve an unconditional ceasefire, followed by the establishment of a real and lasting peace,” Zelensky posted on social media.
The London meeting will serve as a follow-up to the Paris talks held on April 17, where senior Trump administration officials reportedly presented their ceasefire proposal to Ukrainian and European counterparts. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg are expected to represent Washington at the upcoming talks.
The meeting comes at a critical juncture, as Ukraine faces pressure to respond to the U.S. proposal while maintaining its consistent position against recognizing Russian occupation of any Ukrainian territory, including Crimea. According to reports, if alignment is reached between Kyiv, Washington, and European allies, Witkoff may travel to Moscow to present the proposals to Russian officials.
Russian Assault Intensifies in Northeast: Syrskyi Warns of Push in Sumy
Russian forces are intensifying efforts to push Ukrainian troops out of Kursk Oblast while simultaneously pressing into border areas of Sumy Oblast, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi confirmed on April 21.
“Intense fighting continues in Sumy Oblast in areas near the state border, as well as on the territory of the Russian Federation,” Syrskyi wrote, adding that Ukrainian forces “have once again thwarted the enemy’s offensive in this area with their active actions.”
Ukraine’s State Border Service spokesperson reported that Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups consisting of approximately 15 personnel are attempting to advance across the international border in Sumy, Chernihiv, and Kharkiv oblasts. Russian forces are reportedly attacking near Basivka, Novenke, and Zhuravka northeast of Sumy City, occasionally using all-terrain vehicles to secure rapid footholds while awaiting reinforcements.
According to the DeepState monitoring group, as of April 21, Ukrainian forces hold approximately 30 square kilometers of territory in Russia’s Kursk Oblast—a dramatic reduction from the 1,300 square kilometers initially captured during Ukraine’s surprise cross-border operation in August 2024.
Ukrainian Intelligence Reports: Drone Base Strike Details Revealed
Ukraine’s General Staff reported on April 21 that Ukrainian forces had previously struck a Russian drone launch site near the village of Tetkino in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, killing up to 20 drone operators. According to the statement, the facility had been used to prepare, equip, and launch reconnaissance, strike, and FPV drones against Ukrainian targets.
The aftermath of the Ukrainian strike on the Russian drones’ launch site in the village of Tetkino in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. (Ukraine’s General Staff/Telegram)
“Our strike is a tangible response to (Russia’s) actions against the Ukrainian army,” the General Staff stated on April 21. “No war crime will go unpunished.”
The announcement came as Russian forces intensified efforts to push Ukrainian troops out of Kursk Oblast while simultaneously pressing into border areas of Sumy Oblast, as confirmed by Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi on the same day. “Intense fighting continues in Sumy Oblast in areas near the state border, as well as on the territory of the Russian Federation,” Syrskyi wrote in his situational update.
Ukraine’s State Border Service spokesperson reported that Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups consisting of approximately 15 personnel are attempting to advance across the international border in Sumy, Chernihiv, and Kharkiv oblasts, occasionally using all-terrain vehicles to secure rapid footholds while awaiting reinforcements.
Midnight in Odesa: Drone Strike Marks Immediate Resumption of Air Campaign
Russia launched a mass drone strike against the Ukrainian port city of Odesa late at night on April 21, just hours after the Easter truce officially expired, injuring at least three people. The attack targeted a residential building in a densely populated neighborhood, causing fires and damaging several apartments.
Apartments damaged by a Russian drone strike against Odesa. (Hennadii Trukhanov / Telegram)
“Horrified that tonight a ballistic missile struck near a playground and restaurant in Kryvyi Rih,” U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink posted on X following a similar attack earlier in the month. “This is why the war must end.”
The early morning assault on Odesa was part of a broader overnight air campaign. According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russian forces launched one Onyx anti-ship cruise missile from occupied Crimea towards Kherson Oblast, two Kh-31P anti-radiation missiles from the airspace over the Black Sea towards Mykolaiv Oblast, and 96 Shahed and decoy drones from various launch points in Russia and occupied territories.
Ukrainian air defenses reportedly downed 42 drones, while 47 decoy drones were “lost,” likely due to Ukrainian electronic warfare interference. The attacks affected Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Cherkasy oblasts, demonstrating the nationwide scope of Russia’s air campaign.
An uninhabited residential building on fire in Kivsharivka, Kharkiv Oblast, after a Russian drone attack. (State Emergency Service/Telegram)
Battle for Toretsk: Russian Forces Advance into Outskirts
Russian forces recently advanced into the southwestern outskirts of Toretsk and eastern Dachne north of the city, according to geolocated footage. Russian military bloggers claimed further advances into central Dachne, in fields east of the settlement, near Krymske north of Toretsk, and near Sukha Balka to the south.
The fighting around Toretsk intensified significantly following the expiration of the Easter truce, with Russian forces attacking the city itself and positions to the north, southwest, and south. Ukrainian forces maintained defensive operations against the Russian advances but faced increasing pressure from a combination of artillery, drone strikes, and ground assaults.
Elements of Russia’s 68th Tank Regiment and 20th Motorized Rifle Regiment are reportedly operating near Toretsk and surrounding areas, while elements of the 4th Motorized Rifle Brigade are active in Dachne and near Dyliivka north of the city. Ukrainian military observer Kostyantyn Mashovets noted that Russian forces continue attempts to bypass Chasiv Yar by attacking along the Markove-Maiske line in an effort to envelop Ukrainian positions.
European Defense Independence: UK Announces Explosives Production Expansion
The Times reported on April 21 that the United Kingdom plans to significantly increase domestic production of military-grade explosives, reducing its reliance on U.S. and French imports. The initiative reflects growing concerns among European allies about potential shifts in U.S. defense commitments following Trump’s presidency.
According to the report, shipping containers will be deployed across Britain to produce RDX explosives—a key ingredient in NATO-standard 155mm artillery shells used in systems like the AS-90 and Archer self-propelled howitzers that have been supplied to Ukrainian forces.
BAE Systems, Britain’s largest defense contractor, plans to construct three new production sites that would increase resilience against potential attacks. The company’s facility in Glascoed, South Wales, set to open this summer, will reportedly deliver a 16-fold increase in shell production compared to pre-war levels.
BAE aims to make its munitions “Itar-free”—exempt from U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations that can restrict the sale and export of weapons containing American components. UK Defense Secretary John Healey described the expansion as “an important step in learning the lessons from Ukraine, boosting our industrial resilience and making defense an engine for growth.”
Putin’s Diplomatic Double-Track: Strategic Partnership with Iran as Peace Talks Loom
Even as the Kremlin signaled openness to negotiations with Ukraine, Putin signed a law on April 21 ratifying a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with Iran. The agreement, initially signed during a January summit between Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, strengthens bilateral cooperation in trade, defense, energy, and regional infrastructure projects.
The treaty was approved by both houses of Russia’s parliament earlier in April, with presidential signature completing the ratification process. According to the Kremlin, the agreement aims to bolster bilateral relations across key sectors while addressing regional and global issues. Both countries pledged not to provide assistance to any third party involved in military conflict with the other.
This strategic alignment with Iran—a key supplier of Shahed drones and ballistic missiles used against Ukrainian infrastructure—comes as President Zelensky announced a crucial diplomatic meeting in London. Representatives from Ukraine, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States will meet on April 23 to continue ceasefire discussions following the Paris talks where U.S. officials presented their controversial peace proposals.
“We are ready to move forward as constructively as possible, just as we have done before, to achieve an unconditional ceasefire, followed by the establishment of a real and lasting peace,” Zelensky stated after what he described as “a good and detailed” phone call with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Diplomatic Contradictions: Tightened Control at Home, Peace Overtures Abroad
As the Kremlin indicated openness to bilateral talks with Ukraine, Putin simultaneously signed a law on April 21 expanding Russia’s notorious “foreign agents” legislation. The new provisions target individuals who support actions by international organizations or foreign governments deemed hostile to Russia, further tightening control over dissent.
Under the expanded rules, individuals can be labeled as “foreign agents” for assisting in implementing decisions made by international bodies in which Russia is not a participant, if those actions are judged to threaten Russian security. Those designated under the law face severe restrictions on their activities and public stigmatization.
Meanwhile, on the diplomatic front, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Putin is open to holding direct talks with Ukraine to advance a ceasefire deal. “When the president said that it was possible to discuss the issue of not striking civilian targets, including bilaterally, the president had in mind negotiations and discussions with the Ukrainian side,” Peskov told Interfax.
The statement came in response to Zelensky’s proposal for a 30-day ban on attacks targeting civilian infrastructure. While claiming openness to “peace initiatives,” Russia has not agreed to implement such a ban, and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities resumed immediately after the Easter truce expired.
East-West Supply Lines: Chinese Nationals Caught Smuggling Russian Military Equipment
Russian state media Izvestia reported on April 21 that Chinese nationals have been increasingly attempting to smuggle Russian military equipment and dual-use goods out of the country, citing undisclosed sources. The incidents reportedly involve body armor, tactical gear, and other military apparel that are then studied and replicated with cheaper materials before being resold abroad.
According to the report, Russian law enforcement detained a Chinese citizen in Moscow in mid-April who had attempted to mail Ratnik load-bearing vests and other tactical equipment to China. The equipment was seized, and further investigation linked the individual to several prior shipments of similar gear. Among the confiscated items were standard-issue 6B45 body armor and other equipment classified as military goods under a 2022 Russian export ban.
Meanwhile, Russian forces exploited the Easter truce to reinforce positions near Kharkiv, according to a spokesperson for Ukraine’s 13th National Guard Khartiia Brigade. “Russia is actively using the so-called Easter truce to amass personnel,” the brigade’s press service reported, warning of a “very high likelihood they plan to use this pause as a pretext to resume active offensive operations.” The commander of a Ukrainian artillery battery in the Vovchansk direction confirmed that Russian forces have begun conducting mechanized assaults with armored vehicles supported by motorcycles in the area.
Diplomatic Preparations: Norway’s Leaders to Meet Trump Amid Ukraine Crisis
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere and Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on April 24, the prime minister’s office announced on April 21. The leaders will discuss the security situation, NATO, the Russia-Ukraine war, and trade issues, according to the statement.
“The U.S. is our most important ally, and in a troubled and demanding time for security policy, the close contact between our two countries is very important,” Stoere said. “Norway and the U.S. cooperate in a number of areas, and the U.S. is an important trading partner for Norway. I look forward to discussing areas where we can cooperate even more closely in the future.”
The meeting comes after the Trump administration initially imposed a 15% tariff on Norwegian imports at the beginning of April, later reduced to 10% for a 90-day period. Norway has been one of Ukraine’s most committed European backers, providing military aid, humanitarian assistance, and financial support throughout the conflict.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry announced a significant allocation of its budget to high-tech weaponry production. Procurement chief Hlib Kanievskyi stated on April 21 that one-third of Ukraine’s defense budget is now directed toward drones, electronic warfare systems, and missile technologies—part of a broader effort to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities in response to the evolving battlefield requirements.
Civilian Casualties Continue: Russian Attacks Across Multiple Regions
Russian attacks across Ukrainian regions killed at least three civilians and injured at least seven over the past day, regional authorities reported on April 21. Many of these strikes were reported to take place on April 20, during the time supposedly covered by Russia’s Easter ceasefire.
Four people were injured in Russian attacks in Donetsk Oblast on April 20, including two in Zoria, one in Pryshyne, and one in Novoekonomichne, Governor Vadym Filashkin said. In Kherson Oblast, three people were killed and three injured in Russian attacks over the past day, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported.
A drone attack against the Kivsharivka village near Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast hit a residential building and caused a fire, burning down 36 apartments, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said. No casualties were reported, as the building was reportedly uninhabited.
On the morning of April 21, explosions were also heard following a Russian missile attack against Mykolaiv and drone attacks on Cherkasy Oblast. No casualties were reported in these incidents, though damage to civilian infrastructure was documented in multiple locations.