A marginal sea between Europe and Asia, pivotal to regional security and energy routes.
Ukraine reports multiple drone and missile attacks across its eastern and northern regions, causing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Russia also reports attacks on its territory, including drone strikes and damage to oil facilities. President Zelensky calls for increased air defenses and signals willingness for a ceasefire, but Russia shows no interest.
Ukraine and Russia have announced a temporary ceasefire from Saturday to Sunday, coinciding with Orthodox Easter. Ukraine has expressed willingness to abide by the truce, while Russia describes it as a humanitarian measure. Both sides have previously declared short truces amid ongoing hostilities, with concerns over violations and the potential for lasting peace.
Putin has acknowledged economic damage from Ukrainian strikes but says Russia is recovering and that Kyiv's actions are meant to sow confusion. Ukraine claims to have targeted energy hubs and Crimea, while Moscow promises stronger air defences and a tougher response.
Ukraine has intensified drone and mid-range strikes on Crimea and nearby Russian oil facilities, hitting an oil depot in Kerch and an oil transport site in Krasnodar. Russian-appointed officials have suspended civilian fuel sales across Crimea, reported casualties and imposed travel and event restrictions as power outages and transport disruptions leave tourists and residents stranded.
European defense manufacturers are increasingly dispersing production across multiple sites in response to Russian attacks in Ukraine. Leaders say distributed manufacturing is essential for resilience, with European firms urged to avoid gigafactories and to spread risk across several sites and geographies.
Ukraine has escalated long-range strikes against Crimea, aiming to isolate the peninsula and disrupt energy and transport links. Russia is restricting fuel sales and cancelling public events, while Ukraine targets oil depots, transport corridors and power infrastructure ahead of the holiday season.
Western-backed Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries and energy facilities have intensified, aiming to curb Moscow’s war financing. Refineries at Slavyansk-na-Kubani and Yaroslavl have been hit, triggering fires, casualties, and fuel shortages as Kyiv seeks to pressure Moscow toward peace. Authorities report road closures and increased security as the campaign continues.