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Over 100 Dead as Unseasonal Rains Devastate India and Nepal

Flooded area in Nepal

by Temitope Oladeji 11/4/2025 More than 100 people have lost their lives since Wednesday due to unusually heavy rainfall that has devastated several parts of India and Nepal. This was confirmed to Prodesq News by officials of both countries. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of continued adverse weather conditions, forecasting more rainfall and thunderstorms in the coming days. In India, the eastern state of Bihar has been the worst affected, with the state’s disaster management department reporting at least 82 deaths over the past two days due to rain-related incidents. Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh, the country’s most populous state, authorities stated that 18 people were killed in incidents involving lightning and severe storms. Across the border in Nepal, eight fatalities have been recorded due to lightning strikes and heavy rainfall, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. The IMD has issued alerts for multiple weather hazards, including heat waves in western regions and thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds across central and eastern parts of the country. These conditions are particularly unusual given that India’s monsoon season typically begins in June. Meteorologists expect unstable weather to persist until at least Monday, warning of further risks from thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds. This spate of deadly weather follows a concerning pattern of climate volatility in the region. In recent years, India has experienced intense summer heat waves that have claimed numerous lives. Just last week, the IMD cautioned that April would likely see above-average temperatures across most parts of the country, raising concerns over rising climate-related disasters.

Russian-American Detainee Ksenia Karelina Freed in U.S.-Russia Prisoner Swap

Ksenia Karelina

by Temitope Oladeji 11/4/2025 In an exceptional diplomatic development, Russian-American citizen Ksenia Karelina has been released from a Russian prison as part of a prisoner exchange between Russia and the United States. Karelina, a Los Angeles-based amateur ballerina, was arrested in early 2024 while visiting her family in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg. She had spent over a year in detention after being accused by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) of financially supporting a Ukrainian organization allegedly involved in supplying arms to the Ukrainian military. In August, she pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 12 years in prison. However, human rights groups in Russia argued that the accusation was based on a single $51 donation Karelina made in February 2022, the day Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The charity in question has denied any involvement in arms procurement, asserting its focus is solely on humanitarian aid and disaster relief. However, Russian authorities reportedly found evidence of the transaction on her phone. In exchange for Karelina’s release, the United States freed Arthur Petrov, a dual German-Russian national arrested in Cyprus in 2023. Petrov had been accused of illegally exporting microelectronics to Russian defense-related manufacturers. The swap was conducted in the early hours of Thursday in Abu Dhabi. Prodesq gathered that President Vladimir Putin officially pardoned Karelina ahead of the exchange. During a cabinet meeting on Thursday, United States President Donald Trump revealed that the initiative to secure Karelina’s release was prompted by a call from Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) CEO Dana White. Trump said, “Dana White called me and said she was connected to someone in the UFC. Dana’s an incredible guy, and we spoke to President Putin about it—they made a deal.” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Karelina’s safe return. “She’s on a plane home,” he announced. He added that “President Trump secured her release. She was wrongfully detained by Russia for over a year. This administration remains committed to bringing home all wrongfully detained Americans.” Prodesq Political Analyst gathered that CIA Director John Ratcliffe was present at the exchange in Abu Dhabi. Karelina’s family expressed their profound gratitude. “We are beside ourselves with happiness,” her father, Pavel Karelina, said. “It was an explosion of joy when we first spoke, just pure emotion.” This marks the second high-profile prisoner swap between Russia and the U.S. in less than two months. In February, Russian national Alexander Vinnik, imprisoned in the U.S. on money laundering charges, was exchanged for American schoolteacher Marc Fogel. The swap coincides with renewed diplomatic engagement between the two nations. On the same day, U.S. and Russian officials met in Istanbul to discuss reinstating embassy operations that had been scaled back following the onset of the Ukraine conflict.

Russia’s Military Advances in Ukraine Losing Momentum, Reports Show

Russia forces in northeastern Ukraine

by Temitope Oladeji 10/4/2025 Russia continues its territorial advances in Ukraine slowly but significantly, according to two independent assessments, calling attention to a continued decline in momentum compared to how their advances began in 2024. The findings revealed that Moscow and Kyiv aim to bolster their bargaining positions during United States-brokered negotiations to end the prolonged conflict. In its latest update, the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence reported that Russian forces captured just 143 square kilometers (55 square miles) of Ukrainian territory in March, down from 196 sq kilometers (76 sq miles) in February and 326 sq kilometers (126 sq miles) in January. Similar figures were also reported by the Washington, D.C.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW), which estimated Russian gains at 203 sq km (78 sq miles) in March, 354 sq km (137 sq miles) in February, and 427 sq km (165 sq miles) in January. These estimates are based on satellite imagery and geolocated open-source data, suggesting a sharp decline in Russia’s offensive. If this trend continues, analysts suggest Russia’s advances could stagnate by early summer, around the time the United States President Donald Trump has said he hopes to see progress on a ceasefire deal. Despite its slow progress, Russia has dramatically expanded its military presence in Ukraine. According to Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskii, Russian troop strength in Ukraine has surged from approximately 150,000 soldiers in early 2022 to over 623,000 today. Syrskii revealed that Russia has reinforced its forces by 120,000 to 130,000 soldiers annually. However, most of the territory Russia currently controls is about 20 percent of Ukraine, which was captured during the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the full-scale invasion that began in 2022. A Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2023 reclaimed roughly 20,000 sq km (7,722 sq miles) of land, none of which Russia has managed to retake. Russia’s advances in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region throughout 2024 yielded only modest territorial gains of about 4,168 sq km (1,609 sq miles), or just 0.69 percent of Ukraine’s total land area, according to a January report by the ISW. These gains came at a high cost. Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence claims Russian troop losses have reached 430,790, equivalent to 36 motorized rifle division,s exceeding Russia’s combined losses in 2022 and 2023. Although Russia has recruited heavily to replenish its ranks, experts say its military continues to face serious challenges in training and equipping these new forces. Nevertheless, Moscow has maintained a steady stream of announcements highlighting the capture of small settlements, helping foster a narrative of inevitable conquest. One such instance came this week when Russia’s Ministry of Defence reported the capture of Katerinovka in Donetsk. But analysts say these incremental gains are largely symbolic. Even at 2024’s pace of advance, the ISW estimated it would take Russia two years to seize the remaining parts of Donetsk, a timeline now stretched further by this year’s declining rate of progress.

Netanyahu Condemns Israeli Air Force Reservists Opposing Gaza War

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

by Temitope Oladeji 10/4/2025 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rushed to criticize approximately 1,000 current and former Israeli Air Force reservists who signed a letter demanding an end to the ongoing war in Gaza. The Israeli Prime Minister described the signatories as a “marginal and extremist group.” Netanyahu voiced full support for their dismissal by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) authorities. In a statement posted Thursday on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed Netanyahu’s endorsement of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi’s decision to remove the reservists involved. The letter, which has sparked intense political controversy across Israel, urged citizens to call for a halt to the military offensive in Gaza, warning that continued bombardment endangers Israeli hostages still held in the enclave. The signatories argued that a ceasefire deal is the most viable path to securing the captives’ safe return. “History has shown that only through negotiated agreements can hostages be brought home alive,” the letter stated. “Military pressure tends to lead to further casualties among the hostages and endangers the lives of our soldiers.” The signatories also accused the government of allowing political motives to prolong the conflict, rather than acting in the country’s security interests. Responding to the letter, Netanyahu stated, “Expressions that weaken the military and embolden our enemies in a time of war are inexcusable.” He further accused the group of attempting to destabilize Israeli society and reiterated that similar actions before the October 7 Hamas attack were perceived as signs of national weakness. Israeli media reports indicate that the letter does not advocate refusal to serve but instead calls on the government to prioritize hostage recovery over continued military operations.

Zelenskyy Confirms Ukrainian Military Operations Inside Russia’s Belgorod Region

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky

by Temitope Oladeji 8/4/2025 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has, for the first time, publicly confirmed that Ukrainian troops are conducting operations within Russia’s Belgorod region to safeguard Ukrainian towns along the border. Zelensky disclosed this during his nightly video address on Monday, the Ukrainian president said that Ukrainian forces remain active in parts of Russia’s neighboring Kursk region, in the past eight months after an initial cross-border operation,n although Russian troops have since retaken significant portions of that territory. “Our top commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, delivered a report on the front line, our presence in the Kursk region, and our presence in the Belgorod region,” Zelenskyy stated. He further said, “We continue active operations in the enemy’s border areas, and this is justified. The war must return to where it came from.” The Ukrainian President emphasized that Ukraine’s primary objective is to defend communities in the border regions of Sumy and Kharkiv from Russian aggression. He further praised the 225th Assault Regiment for its role in the operations, commending its performance in the heavily contested areas. The Ukrainian leader reiterated Kyiv’s long-standing position that, despite Russian forces regaining ground in Kursk in recent weeks, the Ukrainian incursion successfully diverted Russian troops away from critical zones along the main front in Donetsk. “As a result of the entire Kursk operation, we managed to ease pressure on other key areas of the front line, especially in the Donetsk region,” Zelenskyy said. This confirmation follows Zelenskyy’s earlier vague references to Ukrainian military movements “slightly below the Kursk region,” a comment which was widely interpreted as an acknowledgment of Ukrainian activity in the Belgorod region of Russia. Meanwhile, Russian military bloggers have reported ongoing clashes between Russian and Ukrainian forces in Belgorod. On Sunday, Moscow claimed its troops had captured the village of Basivka in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region, across from Kursk, and continued to intensify attacks on Ukrainian positions in several locations. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly called for the creation of a security buffer zone along the border to shield Russian territories from Ukrainian attacks.

South Korea Fires Warning Shots After North Korean Troop Incursion Across Border

South Korea and North Korea border

by Temitope Oladeji 8/4/2025 South Korea’s military disclosed firing warning shots on Tuesday after approximately 10 North Korean soldiers briefly crossed the heavily fortified border separating the two countries. The incursion marks the second such incident in less than a year, reflecting heightened tensions between South Korea and North Korea. According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), the North Korean soldiers breached the military demarcation line (MDL) in the eastern passage of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) around 5 p.m. local time. The JCS stated that South Korean forces responded with a warning broadcast followed by warning shots, prompting the intruders to retreat. “Our military issued warning broadcasts and fired warning shots after about 10 North Korean troops crossed the MDL in the eastern DMZ,” the JCS said in a message to reporters. “We are closely tracking the movements of the North Korean military and are taking appropriate measures according to standard operational procedures.” The motive behind the latest breach remains unclear. A similar incident occurred in June of last year when North Korean troops were observed south of the MDL but withdrew following warning measures. South Korean authorities at the time assessed the incursion was likely accidental, noting that the area was heavily wooded, MDL markers were badly visible, and the soldiers were with construction tools. The border zone remains one of the most militarized regions in the world, laced with an estimated two million landmines and fortified with barbed wire, tank traps, and standby combat troops on both sides. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula remain high as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un continues to expand his nuclear weapons program and strengthen ties with Russia, amid its ongoing war in Ukraine. Despite repeated calls from South Korea and the United States to resume denuclearization talks, North Korea has refused to return to the negotiating table. While U.S. President Donald Trump, who was inaugurated on January 20, has continually expressed interest in re-engaging North Korean leader Kim diplomatically, North Korea has responded by accusing Washington of escalating hostilities since the return of Donald Trump to office.

Spain to Allocate Additional €2.08 Billion to Defence Amid NATO Pressure

Spain military police soldiers hoisting Spain national flag

by Temitope Oladeji 8/4/2025 Spain will channel an extra €2.08 billion ($2.28 billion) into its defence budget this year by reallocating funds to procurement contracts under the Ministry of Defence, the Spanish government announced on Tuesday. The move comes amid mounting pressure from United States President Donald Trump urging NATO member states to meet the agreed defence spending commitments. With defence expenditure currently at just 1.3% of its gross domestic product (GDP), Spain ranks the lowest among NATO’s 32 members in terms of military spending relative to economic output. To meet the alliance’s target of 2%, Spain would need to boost its annual defence spending by approximately €10 billion ($10.8 billion). However, Spain had previously committed to reaching the 2% benchmark by 2029, the Spanish government recently pledged to accelerate that timeline. “The government intends to reach the 2% target as soon as possible,” government spokesperson Pilar Alegría stated during a press briefing during Tuesday’s cabinet meeting. She noted that the redirected funds will be used to support existing contracts focused on the “modernisation, maintenance, and enhancement of personnel, infrastructure, and facilities.” The decision comes in the context of broader European efforts to strengthen defence capabilities, particularly in light of rising geopolitical tensions. Although Spain’s inability to push through new spending has been complicated by a political impasse. Since 2023, the national budget has been extended on a provisional basis due to the minority government’s struggle to secure sufficient parliamentary support in a deeply fragmented legislature.

Russia Claims Recapture of Final Ukrainian-Held Village in Kursk Region

Russia soldiers in Kursk

by Temitope Oladeji 8/4/2025 Russia’s military announced on Tuesday that its forces have regained control of Guyevo, one of the last remaining villages in the Kursk region previously held by Ukrainian troops. The village, located near the Ukrainian border and just south of the town of Sudha, which was recaptured by Russian forces last month, had remained a strategic foothold since Ukraine’s cross-border incursion last year in August. The Ukrainian offensive marked the most extensive ground operation inside Russian territory since World War II, briefly shifting momentum in the region. However, a sustained Russian counteroffensive has steadily reversed those gains in recent months, restoring Russia’s control over strategic areas. In a statement, Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed the liberation of Guyevo, framing it as part of a broader push to clear Ukrainian forces from the border zone. The Russian government has, in recent weeks, commended its military for repelling incursions and reestablishing control over contested areas. Despite these gains, heavy fighting reportedly continues in Russian border villages adjacent to Ukraine. The announcement follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s confirmation on Monday that Ukrainian troops are also active in Russia’s Belgorod region. A separate hotspot that has seen repeated cross-border strikes since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. The Kremlin has reportedly declined to comment on Zelenskyy’s remarks. In response to Ukraine’s incursions, President Vladimir Putin has urged Ukrainian forces operating in the Kursk region to surrender, while warning that those captured on Russian soil will be treated as terrorists and face criminal prosecution.

Ohio School Staffer Charged with Felony Conspiracy in Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot Involving Student

Stephanie Demetrius

by Temitope Oladeji 5/4/2025 A 44-year-old staff member at an Ohio high school has been charged with felony conspiracy after allegedly attempting to pay a juvenile student $2,000 to murder her husband, according to a criminal complaint filed by authorities. Stephanie Demetrius, employed at the Academy for Urban Scholars in Columbus, allegedly approached a juvenile student on March 26 and solicited the teen to carry out the murder-for-hire plot, court documents reveal. According to an affidavit, Demetrius offered the student a $250 “down payment,” which provided specific details about her husband’s whereabouts, including that he worked from home and the times he would be alone in the house. In a recorded phone conversation obtained by police, Demetrius reportedly dismissed concerns about neighbors hearing gunfire, telling the student, “They don’t care about her neighbors.” The plan was unraveled by the student’s mother, who discovered messages exchanged between Demetrius and the teen. She promptly alerted law enforcement and brought the student to the authorities. Police confirmed that the juvenile, who remains unidentified, will not be facing any charges in connection with the case. Demetrius was arrested without incident on Wednesday and arraigned in Franklin County Municipal Court the following day. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for April 11. The Academy for Urban Scholars has not yet responded to media inquiries regarding the incident.

Russian Missile Strike on Zelenskyy’s Hometown Kills 18, Including Nine Children

Scene of missile attack in Kryvyi Rih

by Temitope Oladeji 5/4/2025 At least a total of 18 people have been killed in one of Russia’s deadliest missile attacks this year, after a residential area in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih was struck on Friday, according to local officials, among them are nine children. The city is the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The strike, which reportedly involved a ballistic missile, hit civilian infrastructure, igniting fires and causing widespread destruction. Dnipropetrovsk Governor Serhiy Lysak said on Telegram that residential blocks were severely damaged and rescue efforts were ongoing. Emergency services confirmed that not more than 50 people were injured, and more than 30, including a three-month-old infant, were hospitalized. Graphic, unverified videos circulating on social media showed victims lying on the pavement, some near a playground, with plumes of grey smoke billowing over the city. Ukrainian Human Rights Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said the missile used in the attack was ballistic, which is very difficult to intercept due to its speed and trajectory. “Not a single military facility, just civilian infrastructure,” Lubinets emphasized. In contrast, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed responsibility for the strike, stating it had targeted a gathering of Ukrainian military personnel and foreign instructors. It alleged the attack killed up to 85 servicemen and foreign officers and destroyed around 20 vehicles, a claim Ukrainian authorities have not confirmed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned the assault and urged the international community to increase pressure on Moscow. Zelensky said, “The whole world sees it. Each missile, every attack drone proves that Russia seeks only war”. The missile strike on Kryvyi Rih followed an earlier drone assault on the northeastern city of Kharkiv, where at least four civilians were killed and 35 others injured. The fourth attack on Kharkiv this week, the overnight strike, damaged several residential buildings and caused fires. President Zelenskyy also reported that Russian drones had hit a thermal power plant in the southern city of Kherson, in what he described as a breach of the U.S.-mediated moratorium on attacks against energy infrastructure. Later on Friday, Kryvyi Rih was subjected to a second wave of drone attacks, described by local officials as “massive,” with fires breaking out at four separate sites across the city. The escalation in violence comes as U.S. President Donald Trump pushes for a ceasefire between the two warring nations. Last week, Washington announced a tentative agreement with both Moscow and Kyiv to halt strikes on each other’s energy facilities. However, both Ukraine and Russia have since accused one another of violating the deal. Ukraine has reportedly accepted a U.S. proposal for a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire. Russia, according to American officials, declined to support the same terms in separate diplomatic discussions.

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