Zelenskyy and Pope discuss Russian pre-Easter strikes on Ukraine
Archive photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Pope Leo XIV (facebook.com/zelenskyy.official))
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke by phone with Pope Leo XIV in the midst of a massive Russian attack on the afternoon of April 3.
"I spoke with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV today. At the very moment of our conversation, the Russians attacked Ukraine yet again – hundreds of Shaheds and dozens of missiles against our cities and communities. In fact, the attack has been ongoing in waves since last night, and at least five regions have already been targeted," Zelenskyy says.
He notes that Ukrainians have not had a single hour of peace, and this is Russia’s response to the proposal for a ceasefire on Easter.
"Essentially, the Russians have only intensified their strikes, turning what should have been silence in the skies into an Easter escalation. This certainly cannot be ignored, and I am grateful to everyone in the world who does not remain quiet about it," the President says.
Zelenskyy briefs the Pope on the negotiation process and cooperation with the American team.
He also expresses gratitude for the assistance in returning abducted Ukrainian children and for all the humanitarian aid the Vatican has provided to Ukraine, particularly during this harsh winter.
In addition, they discuss the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region.
"I wished His Holiness and all those celebrating Easter this Sunday a blessed holiday and peace. Of course, we would be glad to welcome His Holiness to Ukraine on an apostolic visit. And I am especially grateful that the Pope remembers Ukraine, the Ukrainian people, and prays for peace for our nation," the President adds.
Massive Russian attack on Ukraine
On Friday afternoon, April 3, Russia carried out a massive combined attack on Ukraine with over 500 drones and cruise missiles.
Residential buildings, a shopping center, and even a veterinary clinic came under attack in broad daylight, there are fatalities, injuries, and power outages.
Of 579 Russian targets, air defense systems shot down or neutralized 541, 26 missiles, and 515 drones of various types.
11 Russian missiles and 27 attack drones struck 20 locations, and debris from downed drones fell at 22 locations.
In particular, the Russians attacked the Kyiv region, Kharkiv, Sumy, and Poltava.
According to Andrii Kovalenko, Head of the Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, the Russians’ main goal in such attacks is to increase civilian casualties. That is why the combined strike took place on a workday using a large number of drones and missiles.
For more details on the consequences of today’s massive Russian attack on Ukraine, see the RBC-Ukraine report.
