Easter ceasefire ends with reported chemical plant attack in Russia

A 32-hour Orthodox Easter ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine concluded following widespread mutual accusations of thousands of violations. On April 14, 2026, Ukrainian forces reported using long-range drones to target an ammonia plant in Cherepovets, located 400 kilometers north of Moscow and 900 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Robert Brovdi, head of Ukrainian drone units, stated the facility produces raw materials for explosives, while Cherepovets Mayor Andrei Nakrasev confirmed an industrial unit was struck but denied any danger to the city. During the truce period, Ukraine's General Staff claimed over 10,000 Russian violations, while Moscow reported nearly 2,000 Ukrainian breaches. Additionally, local officials reported two civilian deaths in the Donetsk region, and Ukrainian authorities accused Russian troops of killing four prisoners of war in the Kharkiv region. Independent verification of these claims remains unavailable. Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict initiated in February 2022 have seen little progress amid continued hostilities.