Ukraine. Orthodox Easter marked by Russian attacks in Kharkiv

Russia and Ukraine celebrated Orthodox Easter on Sunday, with religious festivities marked by Russian attacks in the city of Kharkiv and the surrounding region. The information was provided by the regional governor, Oleh Syniehubov, via Telegram, confirming that one person died after being buried in the rubble and that three others were injured. Even in the center of Kharkiv, 15 people were injured as a result of an air attack by Russian forces.

In daily speech, Volodymyr Zelensky called on Ukrainians to “unite in common prayer”, to pray for each other and for Ukrainian soldiers on the front line.

“This Easter, we are united in prayer”, said the Ukrainian president in the social media post. “For our soldiers, who repel evil in all directions. For those who follow one more commandment in life: protect Ukraine.”

“And we believe: God has a chevron with the Ukrainian flag on his shoulder,” said the Ukrainian president, dressed in the traditional embroidered Ukrainian vyshyvanka shirt and khaki pants, in front of Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kiev. Kiev authorities have called on Orthodox believers to follow the celebrations in a manner onlinedue to security risks.

“With this ally, life will definitely win over death.”

“Even on such bright days of celebration, we can expect evil acts from the aggressor,” warned Kiev administrator Serhiy Popko.

Ukrainian forces attack Belgorod
At least six people died and another 35 were injured this Monday morning as a result of a Ukrainian drone attack in the Russian region of Belgorod, on the border with Ukraine and regularly targeted by Kiev’s forces.

“Two small trucks (…), which were transporting workers to the workplace, and a car were attacked by kamikaze drones from the Ukrainian Army”detailed Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of Belgorod, on Telegram.

“Six people died (…) and 35 were injured”he lamented, specifying that the attack took place near Beriozovka, a village very close to the border with Ukraine.

One man is in “serious condition,” Gladkov said. Those injured “more or less seriously due to shrapnel were transported by paramedics to medical centers in the region”.

According to regional authorities, the affected vehicles belonged to a local meat company and were transporting employees. The Russian Investigative Committee is already investigating this attack.

The Belgorod region is regularly the target of attacks by the Ukrainian army, with Kiev saying it is doing so in response to daily shelling by Russian forces on Ukrainian cities for more than two years. But Monday’s attack takes place on the eve of Vladimir Putin’s inauguration, who will officially begin his fifth term in the Kremlin.