Russian attacks in Ukraine kill two before prisoner swap
KYIV, April 2: Russian aerial attacks on Ukraine’s civilian areas killed two people and injured at least three others as both countries prepare a prisoner exchange for Easter. Strikes hit multiple regions, including Synelnykove in Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Chernihiv, and Odesa, with Ukraine’s air defenses intercepting most of the 172 drones fired by Russia. The prisoner exchange is part of ongoing US-brokered negotiations, which have yielded little progress on ending the five-year conflict. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered an Easter ceasefire, but the Kremlin emphasized a lasting settlement rather than a temporary truce. Russia’s human rights ombudswoman Tatyana Moskalkova confirmed that preparations for the exchange are underway, and Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, expressed hopes for a “major exchange” ahead of Orthodox Easter on April 12. The attacks highlight ongoing violence amid fragile diplomatic efforts, with both sides balancing military operations and prisoner negotiations. (AP)
Pak ready to host US-Iran talks: FO
ISLAMABAD, April 2: Pakistan has expressed readiness to host and facilitate meaningful talks between the US and Iran to achieve a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the ongoing West Asia conflict. Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi confirmed this at a press briefing, following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s earlier statement emphasizing Islamabad’s willingness to mediate. The effort aligns with a five-point initiative proposed jointly with China to restore peace and stability in the region and has been discussed during quadrilateral consultations with Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt. Both Iran and the US reportedly expressed confidence in Pakistan’s role. The conflict, intensified after the February 28 US-Israel attack killing Iran’s Supreme Leader, has disrupted Gulf energy supplies, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz. (PTI)
8 militants killed in NW Pakistan
Peshawar, April 2: Pakistan’s security forces have killed eight militants in an intelligence-based operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, bordering Afghanistan, the army said on Thursday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the army, the operation was conducted along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border after reports of militant movement in the area on Wednesday. Security forces effectively engaged militants in the North Waziristan district and eliminated eight terrorists, it said in a statement. It added that arms and ammunition were recovered from the scene. The statement said the interim Taliban Government of Afghanistan failed to ensure effective border management, reiterating Pakistan’s concerns. It urged Afghan authorities to fulfil their responsibilities and prevent the use of Afghan soil against Pakistan. The statement added that Operation Azm-e-Istehkam was ongoing across the country with intensified crackdowns against militants. (PTI)
