The third Easter in wartime. Ukrainians celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord under gunfire

Ukrainians in the war-torn east gathered in church on Sunday to mark their third Easter under gunfire, as Russian troops move closer to threatening some of the region’s key cities, Reuters reports.

Fighting on the eastern front has intensified in recent weeks, particularly around the city of Ceasiv Yar, as Kiev’s troops await crucial US military aid to repel Moscow’s advance.

Residents of Kostiantinivka, 15 kilometers to the southwest, say they remain determined to celebrate Easter despite the worsening security situation due to Russia’s 26-month-long invasion.

“We came in 2022 and in 2023 and we will come again,” said Natalia Hryhorieva, 58 years old, in front of an Orthodox church, as she waited for a priest to bless her Easter basket with holy water.

Cannon fire rang out in the background during the morning service, where the priest condemned the “godless” enemy and offered a prayer for Ukraine’s victory.

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky, in an Easter message from Kiev, urged Ukrainians to unite in prayer for the soldiers on the front line, saying that God has a “Ukrainian flag on his shoulder.”

Kostiantinivka is one of several key Ukrainian-held cities in the industrialized Donetsk region, which could become Moscow’s next major target if Cheasiv Iar falls, analysts say.

Russian forces are also advancing from the south after capturing the village of Ocheretyne, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday.

At least two people were killed in the last 24 hours after settlements in the region were bombed 19 times, governor Vadym Filashkin said on Telegram.

“We want this situation to end quickly, so that our children feel calm,” said Nina Shyshymarieva, aged 31, with her youngest daughter. “So that they can have a childhood”.

SOLDIERS SEEKING BLESSINGS

Elsewhere, behind the front line, Ukrainian troops also sought an Easter respite from the fighting.

Reuters accompanied a chaplain of the 93rd Mechanized Brigade as he toured the temporary bases, the locations of which could not be disclosed, to hold services and bless the visibly tired soldiers.

Ukrainian forces have found themselves outgunned and in high demand as Kiev faces a better-equipped enemy and struggles to overhaul its mobilization program.

The troops enjoyed traditional Easter products offered by acquaintances and volunteers. Many said they wished they could celebrate with their families back home.

The chaplain, Evhen Savchenko, said that services like his can “inspire” people as the situation worsens.

“When things are difficult, people really turn to God and to genuine prayer. (They) pay more attention to the spiritual aspect,” he said. “We see that.”

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