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Zelensky: Nearly 50,000 Russian Troops Amassed in Kursk Amid Ongoing Counteroffensive
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Monday that Russia has stationed nearly 50,000 troops in the southern Russian region of Kursk, where Ukrainian forces have been engaged in a counteroffensive since the summer. The statement comes as Ukraine continues to hold its ground in the region, following a series of surprising advances into Russian-held territory in recent months.
The update, shared by Zelensky on Telegram after a briefing from Ukraine’s Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief General Oleksandr Syrskyi, underscores the continued intensity of hostilities in the Kursk region. According to Zelensky, Ukrainian forces have been actively “holding back” the substantial Russian troop presence, described as a “nearly 50,000-strong enemy group.”
Ukraine’s military launched the incursion into Kursk in August, a move that reportedly took Moscow by surprise. Ukrainian officials argued that the offensive was necessary to preempt a Russian strike from the area. Since then, Ukrainian forces have reportedly secured hundreds of square miles within Russian territory. Although Russia has managed to reclaim some settlements, the frontline has seen minimal changes over the last few months, as Ukrainian troops maintain their positions.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, a U.S. official disclosed to CNN on Sunday that Russia has assembled a substantial force in Kursk, which includes newly arrived North Korean soldiers. According to the source, Russia may be preparing to launch an offensive against Ukrainian positions in the coming days, signaling a potential escalation in the conflict. This development reflects the growing involvement of external forces and the high stakes surrounding the ongoing battle for control in the border regions.
Furthermore, a Ukrainian military commander reported to CNN that North Korean forces are not only present but are also actively participating in combat operations. These troops are reportedly involved in both offensive and defensive roles in Kursk, as well as in neighboring Belgorod and Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine.
The deployment of North Korean forces, if verified, would mark a significant shift in the dynamics of the conflict, with Russia drawing on international alliances to bolster its military operations. North Korean troops’ participation could indicate a broader strategy by Moscow to enhance its fighting capabilities with support from allied nations, further complicating the conflict.
The developments in Kursk come amid heightened tensions and frequent skirmishes along the Ukraine-Russia border, underscoring the protracted and evolving nature of the war. With a large Russian force now poised in Kursk, Ukrainian officials and international observers are closely monitoring the situation for signs of an impending assault.
For now, Ukraine appears determined to maintain its foothold in the region despite the sizable Russian buildup. However, the continued deployment of reinforcements by Moscow suggests that the coming weeks could see intensified clashes in and around Kursk, potentially reshaping the conflict’s landscape.
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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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White House Unveils “Media Hall of Shame” Portal as Attacks on Press Intensify
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Russia Launches Massive Overnight Barrage on Ukraine as Peace Talks With U.S. Continue
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