Kyiv, 07 April (H.S.):

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated his proposal for a mutual ceasefire targeting energy infrastructure, conveyed to Russia via U.S. intermediaries, as Moscow persists with devastating drone assaults on key Ukrainian ports and power facilities.

In his nightly address on April 6, Zelensky emphasized Ukraine's readiness to reciprocate if Russia halts strikes on the nation's energy grid, a condition first floated during Easter truce discussions the prior week.

He highlighted ongoing collaboration with American negotiators to secure robust guarantees essential for enduring peace, amid stalled broader diplomatic efforts.

The overture follows a deadly overnight Russian drone barrage on Odesa, the vital Black Sea port city, which claimed three lives—including two women and a toddler—and inflicted severe damage on residential structures and port operations.

Rescuers labored through the night amid rubble, underscoring the human toll of intensified attacks that have repeatedly targeted Ukraine's export lifelines and power systems despite Kyiv's de-escalation bids.

Russia has shown little enthusiasm for the limited truce, previously dismissing Zelensky's Easter proposal in favor of comprehensive peace terms and responding instead with Iranian-designed Shahed drones on civilian and energy targets.

Kremlin spokespeople have insisted on Zelensky's personal accountability for any accord, while Ukrainian advances against Russian oil infrastructure highlight the escalating tit-for-tat dynamics.

Zelensky lamented Russia's apparent disregard for sacred timings like Orthodox Easter, declaring that nothing is sacred to Moscow as it prioritizes military momentum over humanitarian pauses.

With U.S. mediators anticipated in Kyiv soon, the energy ceasefire stands as a potential off-ramp, though persistent hostilities cast doubt on its viability.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar