Russia launched nearly 100 drones and missiles across Ukraine overnight, shattering the supposed Easter ceasefire announced by Putin just two days earlier. Ukrainian forces claimed to have intercepted 42 drones, with 47 more "locationally lost."
By morning, news of Pope Francis' death at 89 dominated headlines, with world leaders expressing condolences. Vatican officials later confirmed an acute stroke as the cause of death.
Meanwhile, pressure mounted on Ukraine to respond to Trump's peace plan, reportedly requiring Kyiv to renounce NATO membership and recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea. Zelensky announced a Wednesday meeting in London with US, UK and French representatives to discuss "peace proposals," while Trump promised to reveal terms of a potential agreement within three days.
Ukrainian forces reported striking a Russian drone launch base in Kursk region, eliminating about 20 operators, while noting Russian withdrawals from western Pokrovsk outskirts.