KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia continued to strike Ukrainian positions with drones after a Kremlin-declared Easter ceasefire took effect on Saturday, a Ukrainian military officer told The Associated Press.

“The ceasefire is not being observed by the Russian side,” said Serhii Kolesnychenko, a communications officer for the 148th Separate Artillery Brigade.

He said that while artillery fire had paused in the sector where his brigade was working, at the junction of the Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions, Russian forces continued to use drones to strike Ukrainian positions.

Ukrainian forces were responding with “silence to silence and fire to fire,” Kolesnychenko said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday declared a 32-hour ceasefire over the Orthodox Easter weekend, ordering Russian forces to halt hostilities from 4 p.m. on Saturday until the end of Sunday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy promised to abide by the ceasefire, describing it as an opportunity to build on peace initiatives. But he warned there would be a swift military response to any violations.

“Easter should be a time of silence and safety. A ceasefire (at) Easter could also become the beginning of real movement toward peace,” Zelenskyy wrote in an online post on Saturday.

But he added: “We all understand who we are dealing with. Ukraine will adhere to the ceasefire and respond strictly in kind.”

Ukraine earlier proposed to Russia a pause in attacks on each other’s energy infrastructure over the Orthodox Easter holiday.

Previous ceasefire attempts have had little impact, with both sides accusing each other of violations.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Friday described Putin’s move as a “humanitarian” gesture, but said Moscow remains focused on a comprehensive settlement based on its longstanding demands — a key sticking point that has prevented the two sides from reaching an agreement.

Deaths in Odesa and Kherson ahead of ceasefire

Hours before the ceasefire was due to begin, Russian drone strikes overnight killed at least two people in the Ukrainian city of Odesa, local authorities reported.

A further two people were wounded in the attack on the Black Sea port city, when drones hit a residential area, damaging apartment buildings, houses and a kindergarten.

The driver of a public trolley bus was killed after the vehicle was struck by a drone in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, less than an hour before the start of the ceasefire, Kherson regional head Oleksandr Prokudin wrote on Telegram.

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia targeted Ukraine with 160 drones overnight, of which 133 were shot down or intercepted, hours before a proposed Easter ceasefire was due to come into force.

Russia’s Defense Ministry said 99 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight across Russia and occupied Crimea.

Prisoners exchanged

Russia’s Defense Ministry said that a prisoner swap Saturday brought home 175 of its soldiers. Zelenskyy confirmed Saturday’s exchange, saying that 175 service members and seven civilians were returned. “Most had been held in captivity since 2022. And finally, they are home,” he wrote on X.

Hundreds of relatives, clutching photos of missing soldiers, crowded around ambulances and buses carrying returned prisoners of war in northern Ukraine. Many called out names and brigade numbers in hopes of finding loved ones faster.

The crowd, many draped in blue and yellow flags, chanted “We welcome you!” as the weary returnees in blue jackets reached through windows to shake hands and embrace well-wishers. Family also members held up portraits of others still-missing, asking the freed prisoners whether they recognized anyone.

Svitlana Pohosyan was waiting for her son’s return. Asked about the ceasefire, she said: “I want to believe it. God willing, may it be so. We will believe and hope that everything will be fine, that a ceasefire will come on such a holy day, and that there will be peace — peace in Ukraine and peace in the whole world.”

“My celebration will come when my son returns,” she added. “I will hold him in my arms — and that will be the greatest celebration for me. And for every mother, every family.”

Periodic prisoner exchanges have been one of the few positive outcomes of otherwise fruitless monthslong U.S.-brokered negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. The talks have delivered no progress on key issues preventing an end to Russia’s invasion of its neighbor, now in its fifth year.

Separately, seven residents of Russia’s Kursk region returned from Ukraine on Saturday after they were captured by the Ukrainian army, Russian state media reported. They were greeted at the Belarusian-Ukrainian border by Russia’s human rights ombudswoman, Tatyana Moskalkova.

According to Moskalkova, the returnees were the last of those who were taken to Ukraine from the Kursk region after the Ukrainian army took control of parts of the region in 2024.

Ukrainian forces made a surprise incursion into Kursk in August 2024 in one of their biggest battlefield successes in the war. The incursion was the first time Russian territory was occupied by an invader since World War II and dealt a humiliating blow to the Kremlin.

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Zhyhinas reported from northern Ukraine. Morton reported from London.

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Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

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There are two massive stories to chat through today – the start of direct trilateral talks between the US and Iran in Pakistan, and the return of Nasa’s Artemis II crew.

Paddy and Laura are on holiday so Newsnight’s Victoria Derbyshire and Nick Watt host.

To chat through news from Pakistan, they’re joined by Panorama filmmaker and foreign affairs and peace talks specialist Jane Corbin.

And to explain what it’s like to return to earth from space, British astronaut Tim Peake.

You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say “Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.

You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

New episodes released every day. If you’re in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd

Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The hosts were Victoria Derbyshire and Nick Watt. It was made by Chris Flynn with Chloe Scannapieco. The social producer was Grace Braddock. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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Firefighters were called to the scene in Anthea Drive, Huntington, at 2.20pm on Saturday (April 11).

The fire was out when the crew arrived, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

 A service spokesperson said the crew checked the vehicle using a thermal imaging camera.

“Advice was given and the incident was left with a responsible person,” they added.

In the last two weeks, “peaceful” protests have been carried out – some with the help of or promoted by online groups – in the likes of Wingate, Peterlee, and Horden. 

It is understood that the protests have been in a bid to remove alleged sex offenders and paedophiles from communities in the region. 

At least two protests were held in Wingate in the final week of March. 

On March 30, crowds demanded that four people be removed from the area, and they were eventually moved by police for their own safety. 

Nobody was arrested – but damage was caused to one address.

Tensions reached boiling point at a protest in Horden on Good Friday (April 3) too, which eventually erupted into violence. 

Officers were pelted by bricks and had an e-bike rammed into a police dog van during the “serious violence” that took hold amid the protest. 

A home on a street in Horden was also destroyed, with shocking footage seen by The Northern Echo showing the trashed property, which had been vandalised by graffiti. 

Durham Police has confirmed that three people have been arrested in recent weeks, today adding that violence and criminal damage “will not be tolerated”.

A 26-year-old man was arrested on March 31 on suspicion of harassment and persistently making use of a public communication network to cause anxiety. 

He has been released on bail while further enquiries are carried out. 

A 20-year-old man was arrested on April 4 on suspicion of harassment with fear of violence and persistently making use of a public communication network to cause anxiety. 

He was also released on bail while further enquiries are carried out. 

A 41-year-old woman was arrested on Easter Sunday (April 5) to prevent a breach of the peace. She was dealt with by way of a community resolution.

Protests are continuing to be planned across the North East this week, with one understood to have taken place as recently as last night in South Shields.

While not all are organised by groups and are community led, some recent protests have been promoted or attended by them. 

Some of these groups upload posts claiming to be the locations of alleged sex offenders on social media sites including Facebook. 

One of the groups, which we have chosen not to name, states that violence and damage is “not something we want to happen” and is “not something we are inciting others to do”.

Superintendent Victoria Cubby said: “While we will always uphold the right to lawful protest, we will take necessary action against anyone who deliberately chooses to act outside the law.

 “Violence or criminal damage towards our community will not be tolerated, and we will take action against anyone involved in this type of behaviour. 

“The safety of everyone, including the public and police, remains our top priority.”

Glasgow’s dream of reaching their first-ever Investec Champions Cup semi-final ended in disappointment as they were beaten 22-19 by Toulon at Scotstoun.

Franco Smith’s side entered the game as slight favourites on the back of their strong home form and their visitors’ domestic struggles.

But it would be three-time European champions Toulon who would edge a tumultuous tie by four tries to three to set up a last-four clash against either Leinster or Sale.

Glasgow were forced into a late change before kick off when Max Williamson was ruled out, with Macenzzie Duncan taking his place on the bench.

It was the home side who took the lead after a cagey opening. Toulon racked up the penalty count in their own 22 and Warriors eventually took advantage.

Alex Samuel pouched the lineout before finding Ben Afshar and the scrum-half’s pass inside sent Stafford McDowall over for the first try of the match.

Toulon, though, struck back quickly. Scotland scrum-half Ben White‘s long pass picked out Jeremy Sinzelle, who moved the ball onto Gael Drean to dot down.

A trademark Kyle Steyn run then carried Glasgow back into Toulon territory but, after a number of pick-and-go efforts, Sione Tuipulotu was held up just short of the line.

Toulon, though, had been warned by referee Karl Dickson for their ill-discipline and at the next infringement, Junior Kpoku was shown the yellow card.

Glasgow wasted no time in taking advantage of the extra man as McDowall picked out Ollie Smith with a brilliant pass, allowing the winger to dart down the line to score.

The hosts soon found themselves on the back foot against and Jean-Baptiste Gros crept over the line for a converted try that knotted the scoreboard up at 12-12.

Toulon then forged in front for the first time in the match. Melvyn Jaminet passed wide to Drean and the winger used his pace to scorch away and inside Dan Lancaster for his second try of the tie.

Glasgow started the second half on top and soon regained the lead. The lineout maul seemed to be drifting into touch but Gregor Hiddleston broke off to stretch for the line.

The French side then enjoyed a period of pressure close to the Glasgow line only for the defence to stand firm before finally winning a penalty to ease the danger.

But Toulon did finally break through when Juan Ignacio Brex picked a gap and burst through to power all the way to the line.

Warriors enjoyed one last flurry as they looked to get back in front but their opponents forced the turnover to seal the win.

PA

Discussion over whether Bolton should remain part of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) or become part of a reorganised Lancashire has gathered momentum following Labour’s sharp criticism of Reform UK’s plans.

Trevor Jones, chair of Reform UK in Bolton, has defended the proposal, while the town’s Labour leadership has strongly opposed it.

Labour has warned that the move would “rip Bolton out of the successful Greater Manchester partnership and force the town into a county facing major structural upheaval and uncertainty”.

The party also claims Reform UK “has failed to be honest with residents about the consequences of this move”.

According to Labour, proposed changes to local governance in Lancashire, including the creation of large unitary authorities, could see Bolton incorporated into a broader “South Lancashire” area, alongside towns such as Burnley, Pendle and Blackburn.

Nick Peel, leader of Bolton Council’s Labour group, said the proposal would have far-reaching implications for local decision-making and public services.

“Reform UK’s plan would drag Bolton backwards,” said Cllr Peel, who also leads Bolton Council.

“Leaving Greater Manchester means losing investment, losing transport benefits, and losing our seat at the table in one of the most successful devolved regions in the country.

“At the same time, Reform-led Lancashire is planning to scrap its councils entirely and replace them with distant mega-authorities.

“That means Bolton being lumped into a sprawling ‘South Lancashire’ structure with little connection to our town.

“This is not about local pride, it’s about political posturing at the expense of Bolton residents.

“People here deserve better than to be used as part of an experiment that risks jobs, investment, and essential services.”

Labour pointed to potential impacts on transport arrangements linked to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, including the Bee Network, capped bus fares, and concessionary travel.

Concerns were also raised over investment secured through devolved funding, such as support for the new medical school in Farnworth, adding that “there is no guarantee that such investment would have been secured under a Lancashire system”.

Bolton’s Reform UK branch, however, says the issue should ultimately be decided by residents if the party gains control.

Trevor Jones, the branch’s chairperson and a candidate in Tonge with The Haulgh in May’s local elections, said he has been suggesting the idea for years.

“They laughed at me and said, ‘pie in the sky, it’ll never happen’,” said Mr Jones.

“The last thing they thought was that four years down the line we’d be running Lancashire County Council.”

Mr Jones said if Reform UK were to lead Bolton Council, residents would be given a vote on the issue.

“We would ask on a voting slip, would you like to stay as part of Greater Manchester Combined Authority, or would you like to return to Lancashire as a Unitary Authority.

“It’s called democracy.”

Mr Jones has been campaigning with leaflets under the slogan “Lancs not Mancs”, setting out Reform UK’s wider priorities on local government, housing and council spending.

In the leaflet, he argues for a referendum on Bolton’s governance, alongside proposals for a full audit of council finances, measures to improve street cleanliness, stronger action on fly-tipping, and a focus on prioritising housing for residents.

It also raises concerns about the number of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the borough.

The leaflet says: “We will seek a referendum on leaving the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and returning fully to the county of Lancashire as a Unitary Authority with the help of the Reform UK run Lancashire County Council.

“This will save Bolton millions each year to invest locally and put an end to Andy Burnham’s 19.4 per cent yearly Mayoral increases.”

The 2026 Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council election will take place on May 7, alongside other local elections in the UK.

One third of the 60 members of Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council in Greater Manchester will be elected.

You can find a list of all candidates standing in the Bolton Council elections on the Bolton News website.

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There were a number of nasty falls an injuries at the 2026 Grand National, with concerns over Top Of The Bill and Quai de Bourbon

Aintree officials have issued an update on two horses who were hurt during falls in the Grand National. A number of horses fell during the race, with particular concern among viewers for Top of The Bill and Quai de Bourbon.

Top of The Bill who was being ridden by legendary trainer Ginger McCain’s grandson Toby McCain-Mitchell was initially being assessed on the course, with a later update confirming he was up and had walked off the course.

There were also concerns about Quai de Bourbon, who fell early and looked unwell before he was taken to a horse ambulance to be assessed back at the stables.

Jockey Robert Dunne, who was riding Stellar Story, has been taken to hospital for assessment. He was said to be conscious and talking as he was taken away in an ambulance.

The race was won by favourite I Am Maximus

More to follow

But the former two-time world heavyweight champion cannot afford to overlook Makhmudov, the aggressive and hard-hitting Russian contender who last fought as recently as October, when he defeated David Allen in Sheffield. Before that we will see Conor Benn, who fights under the Zuffa Boxing banner having split from Matchroom and Eddie Hearn as he meets Regis Prograis in a catchweight bout in his first outing since that rematch win over arch-rival Chris Eubank Jr.