News
Russia Accused of Over 2,900 Ceasefire Violations During Easter Truce, Says Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of violating a weekend Easter ceasefire more than 2,900 times, calling into question the sincerity of Moscow’s truce declaration. The 30-hour ceasefire, announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday for humanitarian purposes, ended at midnight on Easter Sunday.
Despite the temporary truce, violence persisted across Ukraine. In the southern Kherson region, three people were killed and three others injured during the ceasefire period, local governor Oleksandr Prokudin said in a Telegram update. He reported that the region endured sustained attacks over the past 24 hours.
In his own statement early Monday, Zelenskyy outlined the scale of the alleged violations, saying Russian forces conducted 96 assault operations along the front lines, launched over 1,800 artillery strikes, and deployed hundreds of drones. “The nature of Ukrainian actions will continue to be mirror-like: we will respond to silence with silence, and our blows will be a defence against Russian blows,” Zelenskyy said. “Actions always speak louder than words.”
Ukraine had initially expressed scepticism about Moscow’s intentions, stating it would reciprocate only if Russia adhered to a genuine ceasefire. However, within hours of the truce beginning, both sides accused each other of violations.
Following the ceasefire’s expiration, Russian forces resumed offensive operations, launching a series of missile and drone strikes overnight. Ukraine’s Air Force reported that three missiles were fired at the southern Kherson and Mykolaiv regions, while 96 Shahed drones targeted various parts of the country. Of those, 42 drones were shot down and 47 others were jammed, the military said.
In central Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region, Governor Serhii Lysak reported drone strikes that sparked fires at a food facility and another outbuilding, though no injuries were reported. In Cherkasy, local authorities said a piece of infrastructure was damaged in an overnight attack.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed its forces fully complied with the ceasefire terms, stating they remained in “previously occupied lines and positions.” In contrast, Moscow accused Ukraine of breaching the truce 4,900 times, including six attempted assault operations, more than 1,400 artillery and rocket attacks, and over 3,300 drone strikes.
The ministry confirmed that Russian forces have since resumed what it refers to as the “special military operation” in Ukraine.
The breakdown of the truce highlights the ongoing volatility of the conflict and the deep mistrust between Kyiv and Moscow, despite public appeals for temporary peace.
News
Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
News
White House Unveils “Media Hall of Shame” Portal as Attacks on Press Intensify
News
Russia Launches Massive Overnight Barrage on Ukraine as Peace Talks With U.S. Continue
-
Entertainment1 year agoMeta Acquires Tilda Swinton VR Doc ‘Impulse: Playing With Reality’
-
Business2 years agoSaudi Arabia’s Model for Sustainable Aviation Practices
-
Business2 years agoRecent Developments in Small Business Taxes
-
Home Improvement1 year agoEffective Drain Cleaning: A Key to a Healthy Plumbing System
-
Politics2 years agoWho was Ebrahim Raisi and his status in Iranian Politics?
-
Business1 year agoCarrectly: Revolutionizing Car Care in Chicago
-
Sports1 year agoKeely Hodgkinson Wins Britain’s First Athletics Gold at Paris Olympics in 800m
-
Business1 year agoSaudi Arabia: Foreign Direct Investment Rises by 5.6% in Q1
