← April 4, 2026 briefing
Russia launches Easter missile barrage, gains stall in Ukraine
World

Russia launches Easter missile barrage, gains stall in Ukraine

Russia fired hundreds of drones and missiles at Ukraine over Easter weekend, killing at least 14 civilians — but its ground campaign has effectively stalled, recording almost no territorial gains in March for the first time in two and a half years. Analysis from the Institute for the Study of War, aggregated by AFP, shows Russian advances slowing since late 2025 due to Ukrainian breakthroughs in the south-east. Zelensky said Russia chose "Easter escalation" over a ceasefire.

MarketRussia x Ukraine ceasefire by end of 2026?
Russia x Ukraine ceasefire by end of 2026?30% chance
Sources
Russia chose 'Easter escalation' over ceasefire, says Zelensky

Russia chose 'Easter escalation' over ceasefire, says Zelensky

BBC · Apr 3

Ukraine war briefing: Russian army records almost no territorial gains for first time since 2023, analysis shows

Ukraine war briefing: Russian army records almost no territorial gains for first time since 2023, analysis shows

The Guardian · Apr 4

Video shows the moment a Russian drone hit an apartment in Ukraine

Video shows the moment a Russian drone hit an apartment in Ukraine

Al Jazeera · Apr 3

More from today's briefing

Iran shoots down US warplanes as conflict escalates
World

Iran shoots down US warplanes as conflict escalates

Democrats sue Trump over mail voting restrictions
Politics

Democrats sue Trump over mail voting restrictions

Artemis II crew closes in on the Moon
Science

Artemis II crew closes in on the Moon

Anthropic acquires biotech startup, launches political PAC
Tech

Anthropic acquires biotech startup, launches political PAC