Kyiv and several regions across Ukraine were jolted by air-raid alerts on April 21, 2025, just hours after a temporary 30-hour ceasefire declared by Russia came to an end. The ceasefire, timed to coincide with the Easter period, was intended as a gesture of goodwill. However, it failed to bring any lasting pause to the ongoing conflict, with both sides accusing each other of violating the truce.

Shortly after the ceasefire concluded, Ukrainian and Russian forces resumed aerial operations. Ukraine reported that Russia had launched 178 drones and two ballistic missiles overnight. Of these, 130 drones were successfully intercepted by Ukrainian defenses. In response, Russia claimed to have downed 126 Ukrainian drones. Debris from the Ukrainian drones reportedly caused fires near a Lukoil oil refinery in the Volgograd region of Russia.

Amid the renewed hostilities, a significant diplomatic opening emerged. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow is now open to direct bilateral talks with Ukraine, the first such indication since the early stages of the war. Putin emphasized that Russia welcomes peace initiatives and expressed willingness to discuss the halting of strikes on civilian infrastructure.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy responded by reaffirming Ukraine's commitment to ending attacks on civilian targets. He stated that Ukraine is open to discussions aimed at achieving an agreement to protect civilian areas from further harm.

The international community has also begun to re-engage with the peace process. The United States expressed support for extending the ceasefire and has been actively involved in facilitating dialogue between the two countries. U.S. President Donald Trump stressed the need to end the nearly three-year-long war and warned that the U.S. could withdraw from negotiations if there is no significant progress.

In a move aimed at reviving diplomatic efforts, Ukraine is scheduled to participate in high-level talks in London on Wednesday, alongside representatives from the U.S. and European nations. These talks follow a previous meeting in Paris where various solutions for ending the conflict were explored.

As the war continues to escalate with renewed aerial attacks, the international community watches closely, hopeful that the upcoming diplomatic engagements will pave the way for a sustainable and peaceful resolution.