CHINA: The government hit back today at “irresponsible” accusations by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that Russia is recruiting Chinese citizens to fight alongside its invasion forces.

Mr Zelensky claimed on Wednesday that over 150 such mercenaries are already active on the battlefield with Beijing’s knowledge. 

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said: “We call on the relevant party to be correct and sober about China’s role and refrain from making irresponsible remarks.” 

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: The number of dead in a roof collapse at a nightclub surged to 218 today.

Centre of Emergency Operations director Juan Manuel Mendez said crews at the scene were still looking for victims and potential survivors, although no-one has been found alive since Tuesday afternoon.

PAKISTAN: Islamabad called on the international community today to expedite the resettlement of thousands of Afghan nationals currently in transit within the country, warning that they may face deportation if not relocated by host nations by April 30.

Deputy Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry’s announcement followed the suspension of the US refugee admissions programme, an action that has left over 25,000 Afghans facing uncertainty.

SYRIA: Turkey and Israel have held “technical talks” aimed at preventing conflict between their troops in Syria, a Turkish official said today.

The first discussions were held in Azerbaijan on Wednesday to establish a “de-escalation mechanism to prevent undesirable incidents in Syria,” the Defence Ministry official said on condition of anonymity, adding: “Work will continue to establish the conflict-free mechanism.”