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Ukraine Accuses Russia of Deploying North Korean Troops Amid Conflicting Reports
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of deploying North Korean soldiers alongside its troops in the ongoing conflict, despite recent reports suggesting that North Korean forces had been withdrawn from the front lines.
In a post on the social media platform X, Zelenskyy stated, “Today, I received a report from the Commander-in-Chief on the situation in the Donetsk and Kursk regions. In the areas of the Kursk operation, new assaults have taken place—Russia has once again deployed North Korean soldiers alongside its troops.”
The claim comes just days after South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported that North Korean troops had been pulled back from the front lines. According to Yonhap, South Korea’s state news agency, the NIS observed that since mid-January, there had been no signs of North Korean soldiers participating in the fighting. The intelligence service attributed the withdrawal to heavy losses sustained by North Korean forces, estimating that around 300 soldiers had been killed and approximately 2,700 injured since their deployment.
North Korea has not publicly confirmed sending troops to support Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine. However, South Korean intelligence estimates that around 11,000 North Korean soldiers have been dispatched to assist Russian forces.
The conflicting reports highlight the complexity of the situation on the ground. In January, Ukrainian forces detained two North Korean soldiers fighting in Russia’s Kursk region, marking the first confirmed instance of North Korean troops participating directly in the conflict.
Zelenskyy’s latest statement suggests that North Korean soldiers may have been redeployed to the front lines, raising questions about the extent of Pyongyang’s involvement in the war. The Ukrainian president’s remarks also underscore the challenges faced by Kyiv as it battles Russian forces, which have increasingly relied on foreign support to sustain their operations.
The alleged deployment of North Korean troops has drawn international attention, with analysts warning that it could signal deeper military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. Both Russia and North Korea have faced international isolation and sanctions, prompting speculation that the two nations may be strengthening their alliance in response to global pressure.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the role of foreign fighters and the extent of their involvement remain key points of concern for Kyiv and its allies. Zelenskyy’s allegations, if confirmed, could further complicate the geopolitical landscape, raising tensions between Russia, North Korea, and the international community.
For now, the situation remains fluid, with conflicting reports from Ukraine and South Korea adding to the uncertainty surrounding North Korea’s role in the war. As the fighting intensifies, the world will be watching closely to see how this development impacts the broader dynamics of the conflict.
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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.
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