Russia avoids ceasefire to launch naval strikes on Ukrainian cities - Zelenskyy

The President noted that the Russian attack on April 6 included missiles launched from the Black Sea, and Ukraine's Western partners are well aware of this.

"Our partners know which vessels were involved and from which part of the sea the launch occurred. This is one of the reasons why Russia distorts diplomacy, why Russia refuses an unconditional ceasefire - they want to retain the ability to strike our cities and ports from the sea," Zelenskyy emphasized.

The Head of the Ukrainian state stressed that a ceasefire at sea must ensure not only free navigation but also the delivery of food by sea. First and foremost, it is about overall security and the approach of peace. However, according to Zelenskyy, the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has no need for peace.

"Putin does not want to end the war - he is looking for ways to preserve the ability to ignite the war at any moment with even greater force. That is exactly why all forms of pressure on Russia must remain in place: strengthening our defense capabilities, maintaining sanctions, and the kind of diplomacy and dialogue with Moscow that leaves them no opportunity to kill," the Ukrainian President added.

Zelenskyy also mentioned that Ukraine expects the United States and all of Europe to reject Putin's refusal of an unconditional ceasefire.

Massive attack on April 6

Last night, Russia once again launched a large-scale strike on the territory of Ukraine. The Russians used Shahed-type attack drones, Kalibr missiles, ballistic and cruise missiles.

Kyiv and the region, Sumy, Mykolaiv, as well as the Kharkiv and Kirovohrad regions, came under enemy attack.

According to the Air Force, Russia launched 23 missiles and over a hundred drones at Ukraine.

During this massive attack, the Russian army used Kalibr missiles. These were launched from the Black Sea, according to the Ukrainian Navy.

Ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia

Ukraine and Russia are not currently engaged in direct negotiations to end the war. The United States is acting as a mediator in the negotiation process.

During their conversation, US President Donald Trump and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin agreed on an energy ceasefire. It implies a halt to strikes on the energy infrastructure of both sides.

Later, at meetings in Saudi Arabia, Ukrainian and US delegations, as well as separately the US and Russian delegations, discussed security in the Black Sea. This involved ensuring the safety of civilian navigation.

Ukraine agreed to the arrangements discussed with the US, but Russia is putting forward demands. Although Moscow claims to be adhering to the energy ceasefire, in March the Russian army attacked energy facilities in the Kharkiv, Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kherson regions. At the same time, Russia accuses Ukraine of violating the ceasefire.

For more details on the ceasefire and what Ukraine, the US, and Russia are saying about it, read our material on the topic.