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In the crucible of conflict, Ukraine finds itself at a critical juncture, grappling with the harsh reality of war's relentless toll.
At least nine people were killed after a fire broke out in Tokyo Star hotel in Ukraine’s port city of Odessa, on Saturday.
Emergency services initially said eight people had died and ten were injured, but they said, the number of deaths rose to nine.
Some 65 firefighters backed by 13 emergency vehicles put out the blaze three hours later.
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President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a statement on his Facebook page four of those injured were in a critical condition.
“We lost eight lives overnight”, Zelensky said.
“And this is not due to war and shelling. It is because of criminal negligence, neglect of elementary safety standards and neglect towards human life”, he said.
“I would “personally make sure” that those responsible are punished “in accordance with the norms of the law”, Zelensky added.
Odessa authorities said around 150 people were evacuated from the area.
Police opened a criminal investigation into possible violations of fire safety requirements and the causes of the fire were being established.
Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman also writing on his Facebook page, said he ordered a “large-scale inspection of holiday places, primarily hotels and resorts” in the country following the incident.
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