Russia rejecting ceasefire because it wants to keep launching strikes from Black Sea - Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 6 that Russia continues to reject an unconditional ceasefire because it wants to maintain its ability to launch missile strikes from the Black Sea.

“This is one of the reasons why Russia is distorting diplomacy, why it is refusing to agree to an unconditional ceasefire—they want to preserve their ability to strike our cities and ports from the sea,” Zelensky said in his nightly address.

He stressed that a ceasefire in the Black Sea is about more than just food exports or maritime navigation—it's about preventing further escalation and saving lives.

“Putin does not want to end the war. He wants to preserve the means to escalate it at any moment with even greater force,” Zelensky warned.

Calling for continued international pressure, Zelensky urged the global community not to be misled by Russia’s tactics. “If there is a ceasefire, it must be unconditional—one that does not allow for the destruction of life. Putin is refusing. We are awaiting a response from the United States—and we also expect a response from all in Europe and around the world who truly want peace.”

Three weeks earlier, the U.S. and Ukraine agreed to a full 30-day ceasefire proposal. Russia rejected the terms and instead issued a list of demands. Under a partial ceasefire agreement reached on March 25, Washington offered limited concessions to Moscow—including easing restrictions on Russian agricultural and fertilizer exports—but Russia insisted on broader sanctions relief before committing.

Zelensky’s remarks came just two days after Russia launched a devastating ballistic missile and drone attack on his hometown of Kryvyi Rih, killing 20 people, including nine children, and injuring at least 75. Since then, major Ukrainian cities far from the front lines have continued to endure deadly Russian strikes.

Russians attacked Nikopol district , injuring three people

Three people sustained injuries as a result of a Russian attack on the Nikopol district, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, on the morning of 7 April. The Russians also attacked the city of Nikopol with a drone, injuring two women aged 49 and 56. Both were taken to hospital in a moderate condition.

Russians hit house in Kherson injuring a pregnant woman and a child

A Russian attack on the city of Kherson injured a pregnant woman and her nearly two-year-old son, Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the Kherson Oblast Military Administration, reported on April 7.

According to Prokudin, the 31-year-old woman shielded her child with her own body when an enemy shell struck their house, trapping both under the rubble.

"The boy has a blast injury and concussion. The woman, who is six months pregnant, sustained blast and head injuries," he said.

Both the mother and child have since been rescued from the debris and are receiving the necessary medical treatment.

The attack is part of an ongoing pattern of Russian strikes targeting civilian infrastructure and residential areas in Ukraine, despite repeated international calls for a ceasefire.

Russia's advance in Ukraine has slowed down since November 2024

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has reported that the pace of the Russian offensive in Ukraine is steadily decreasing. In March 2025, Russian forces advanced by only 143 square kilometers — the smallest monthly gain in the last five months.

This trend is consistent with data from the UK Ministry of Defence, which estimates that Russian territorial gains have been shrinking month by month since November 2024. According to their figures, Russia captured approximately 730 sq km in November, 393 sq km in December, 326 sq km in January, 195 sq km in February, and just 143 sq km in March.

ISW’s own analysis, based on geolocated footage and satellite data, shows a similar pattern: 627 sq km in November, 569 in December, 427 in January, 354 in February, and 203 in March. Although the numbers differ slightly due to differing methodologies, both ISW and the UK MoD confirm the same trend — Russia’s rate of advance is declining.

One of the reasons for the slowdown, ISW notes, is the effectiveness of Ukraine’s recent localized counterattacks. Ukrainian forces have managed to regain lost positions in key directions like Pokrovsk and Toretsk, contributing to the disruption of Russian momentum.

This decline in territorial gains suggests that, despite ongoing attacks and difficult conditions, Ukrainian defenses remain resilient and are successfully slowing down Russian offensives on multiple fronts.

Kharkiv Oblast suffered from numerous Russian attacks this morning, and two people injured

On the morning of April 7, Russian forces launched six separate attacks on Kharkiv Oblast, causing widespread damage and injuring at least two civilians.

According to Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, the first strike occurred at 5:44 a.m. in the town of Kupiansk. A missile hit the eighth floor of a nine-story residential building, setting balconies and apartments ablaze over an area of 100 square meters. The building was partially destroyed, and two people were injured in the attack — a 67-year-old man and a 79-year-old woman.

Just 30 minutes later, at 6:13 a.m., Russian forces struck Kupiansk again, this time damaging the roofs of five residential houses. The town suffered a third strike at 7:37 a.m., which triggered fires that spread over 200 square meters across a house and an outbuilding.

Further south in the Bohodukhiv district, a guided aerial bomb hit the outskirts of the village of Berezivka at 7:57 a.m. At 8:20 a.m., Russian FPV drones targeted the village of Ivashky, damaging two houses, several outbuildings, and power transmission lines.

Finally, at 8:36 a.m., Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi came under attack, resulting in more fires and damage to residential buildings.

These early morning strikes underscore the continued intensity of Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure and residential areas in Kharkiv Oblast, despite ongoing calls for a ceasefire.

Situation intensifies on the Lyman front

Russian forces are continuing to push forward near the city of Lyman in Donetsk Oblast, gaining ground in key areas along the front line, according to the DeepState analytical project.

The most intense fighting is currently taking place in the Nove–Katerynivka–Nevske axis, where Russian troops reportedly hold the advantage and are pressing their offensive. Assaults are ongoing near Novomykhailivka, with Russian units achieving tactical success on the approaches to both Nevske and Nove. Katerynivka remains under constant pressure from advancing Russian forces.

DeepState warns that the situation is deteriorating for Ukraine’s defense in this sector. "Unfortunately, the situation in this area is not developing in the best way for the defense forces," the report said. Analysts cited the ineffective use of resources by the Ukrainian brigade operating in the area, insufficient situational awareness, and Russia’s superiority in drone warfare and precision strikes as contributing factors to the worsening outlook.

They emphasize that the situation is becoming increasingly critical and urgent changes are needed to stabilize the front.