Civilian casualties doubled in Ukraine due to the escalation of short-range drone attacks
Civilian casualties in Ukraine rose sharply in March, increasing by nearly 49% compared to February, according to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine.
The report states that at least 211 civilians were killed and 1,206 injured during the month. The deadliest factor was short-range drone attacks, which alone killed 66 people, reflecting the growing use of FPV and other tactical drones by Russia.
Danielle Bell, head of the UN mission, warned that frontline areas have become “extremely dangerous” for civilians, with elderly people making up about half of those killed in such zones. Many victims were targeted during routine daily activities, such as collecting pensions or working in their gardens.
The data underscores a broader escalation. In 2025, civilian casualties more than doubled compared to 2024, with 580 deaths and 3,295 injuries recorded. In March 2026 alone, figures rose by roughly 70% compared to March the previous year.
Overall, the UN has documented more than 15,500 civilians killed and over 43,300 injured since the start of the full-scale invasion, though the true toll is believed to be significantly higher due to limited access to Russian-occupied areas.
Lavrov stated that the war cannot conclude without security guarantees for Russia
Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, has said that any potential settlement of the war in Ukraine must include “security guarantees” for Russia, criticizing the European Union for focusing solely on assurances for Kyiv.
Speaking to the press, Lavrov argued that the conflict “cannot be resolved” without addressing Russia’s security concerns, as discussions in Europe increasingly center on guarantees for Ukraine as part of a future peace framework.
In the same remarks, Lavrov also made a series of controversial claims about EU policies and the situation in Ukraine, including allegations regarding the treatment of the Russian language and culture. These statements reflect long-standing narratives promoted by Moscow, which Kyiv and its allies have consistently rejected.
Ten civilians injured in a Russian glide bomb strike on central Kramatorsk
Ten civilians were injured in a Russian strike on the city of Kramatorsk on the morning of April 11, according to the regional prosecutor’s office.
Russian forces reportedly used a FAB-250 equipped with a UMPK guidance kit, which converts unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions.
Among the injured are four women aged 29, 31, 43, and 47, and six men aged between 38 and 89. Victims sustained blast injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and shrapnel wounds, with two people currently in serious condition.
The attack also damaged residential apartment buildings and vehicles at the site of impact.
"Easter truce" has begun - Kremlin's outlet
Kremlin-aligned outlets TASS and RIA Novosti report that the “Easter truce” announced by Vladimir Putin came into effect at 16:00 on April 11 and is set to last until the end of April 12, coinciding with Orthodox Easter.
According to these reports, the timing aligns with both Moscow time and Kyiv’s current summer time (EEST).
No independent confirmation has been provided regarding how the truce is being implemented on the battlefield, and similar past declarations have not always resulted in a full cessation of hostilities.