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'Let’s Work Together' — Tinubu Asks Portugal, Vietnam, Kuwait For Parly With Nigeria
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‘Let’s Work Together’ — Tinubu Asks Portugal, Vietnam, Kuwait For Parly With Nigeria

by Victor Ndubuisi
written by Victor Ndubuisi 4 minutes read

Nigeria’s Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for closer economic ties with Portugal, Vietnam, and Kuwait.

Tinubu stressed the value of bilateral cooperation during a ceremony on Thursday in Abuja, where he accepted Letters of Credence from the ambassadors of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Biu Quoc Hung, the State of Kuwait, and Jorge Adao Martins Dos Santos, Portugal.

Tinubu expressed gratitude for Portugal’s long-standing connection and emphasised their common interests in commerce, culture, and oil and gas collaborations.

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He urged more cooperation, especially in the development of minerals locally, and gave the ambassadors assurances about his policy of open communication via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Tinubu stated, “It is good to have you in Nigeria. I am happy you are familiar with Nigeria and the environment. I believe that with your presence, our bilateral relations will be further improved. I am happy you are also present in other West African countries.

“I have been informed of your economic interest in Nigeria. We need to work together for more localised productions as regards mineral deposits. I have an open-door policy, and you can always reach me through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and my Chief of Staff, Right Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila.

The Portuguese envoy responded by saying that his nation’s investors are very interested in Nigeria and that their gas commerce with Nigeria predates the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and will continue.

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“I will work on our agreements on improving economic relations. There is no shortage of interest in the areas of development where we can be partners. We are one of the highest buyers of gas from Nigeria, and we remain grateful for the supplies.

“We have long-standing mutual relations when it comes to energy. Before the Russia and Ukraine war, we have been getting our gas from Nigeria. Portuguese companies are also handling the rail line construction from Kano to Niger Republic. It will be ready in two years,” the Portuguese ambassador stated.

“Thank you for coming to work in Nigeria. We share a lot with Vietnam in terms of diversity and values.

“We really value our bilateral agreements with your country, Vietnam, especially in the area of technology. We look forward to adding more value to the partnership with you in terms of collaboration for development,” Tinubu added.

“Under your leadership, I see Nigeria overcoming most of her challenges and taking its place among the happiest people in the world,” said the Vietnamese ambassador in response.

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The purpose of Ambassador Hung’s visit, he continued, is to deepen bilateral understanding and boost business connections.

During a separate meeting, Tinubu expressed his gratitude to the Emir and the Crown Prince as well as the Kuwaiti envoy for his nation’s long-standing positive relations with Nigeria.

“I am glad we are pulling strings to enhance the value of our relationship. We are both committed to the development of our people and will explore opportunities for economic ties. I have an open-door policy so you can always reach me,” Tinubu disclosed.

Tinubu was given the assurance by the Kuwaiti envoy that he would try his hardest to improve bilateral relations for the good of both nations.

 

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Burkina Faso Forges Ahead with Plans for a Nuclear Power Plant with Russian Support

by Ikem Emmanuel
written by Ikem Emmanuel 2 minutes read

Burkina Faso’s military leadership has inked an agreement with Russia to construct a nuclear power plant, a move aimed at bolstering the country’s electricity supply. The nation, one of the least electrified in the world with only 21% of its population connected to power, is seeking to address its chronic energy deficit.

This development is the latest in a series of moves by Burkina Faso’s junta to strengthen ties with Russia after falling out with most of its Western partners. The military leadership has increasingly turned to Russia for economic and military support since it seized power in the country last year.

The deal with Russia is a culmination of discussions that began when Burkina Faso’s military ruler, Captain Ibrahim Traore, engaged with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow in July. During this meeting, Captain Traore sought President Putin’s support in establishing a nuclear power plant in Burkina Faso, emphasizing the need to meet the country’s energy demands and those of neighboring nations.

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Captain Traore stated, “We have a critical need for energy, this is an important point for me because we need, if possible, to build a nuclear power station in Burkina Faso to produce electricity. Our position is rather strategic because we are in the heart of West Africa and we have an energy deficit in the sub-region.”

Burkina Faso’s objective is to achieve 95% electricity access for urban areas and 50% for rural areas by 2030. Currently, the country relies heavily on biofuels like charcoal and wood for its energy needs, with oil products accounting for one-third of its total energy supply, according to the International Energy Agency.

The deal with Russia marks a significant step in Burkina Faso’s efforts to bolster its energy infrastructure, reduce electricity costs, and meet the growing energy demands of the country and the wider West African region.

While South Africa is the sole African nation currently producing nuclear power commercially, several other African countries, including Burkina Faso, are now looking to follow suit. Russia is also collaborating with Egypt to build a nuclear power plant, and it signed a deal to construct power plants in Nigeria in 2017. Kenya has also announced plans to establish its first nuclear power plant by 2027, although it has yet to decide on its international partner for the project.

Captain Ibrahim Traore has been in power in Burkina Faso since a coup in September 2022.

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Russia Prepares for Large-Scale Nationwide Nuclear Attack Exercise

by Ikem Emmanuel
written by Ikem Emmanuel 2 minutes read

President Vladimir Putin has ordered the Russian government to conduct a comprehensive nationwide nuclear attack exercise, spanning 11 time zones. The exercise, scheduled for October 3rd, marks the first time Russia will simulate such a scenario across the entire country, rather than region by region. The goal, as described by Putin’s regime, is to prepare for potential nuclear war while portraying the West as a nuclear aggressor.

The one-day exercise, which is unprecedented in its scale, will involve extensive preparations for the hypothetical destruction of up to 70% of Russia’s housing stock and life support facilities. The scenario assumes the imposition of martial law in Russia and full mobilization.

According to the scenario document, certain Russian regions may face emergencies or physical impacts resulting in the complete destruction of vital infrastructure and a substantial portion of housing. These potential emergencies include accidents at hydraulic structures, chemically and radiologically hazardous facilities, and their ensuing secondary hazards.

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As part of the exercise, civil servants and regional officials will be tasked with organizing “non-staff emergency rescue teams,” ensuring the availability of food and medical supplies, and providing protection from radioactive contamination.

The document also highlights the growing risk of armed conflicts escalating into local and regional wars, potentially involving nuclear powers. It underscores concerns about modern long-range weapons and potential attacks using unmanned aerial and watercraft.

Amid these preparations, it’s worth noting that President Putin has reportedly made personal preparations for such scenarios, including the construction of bunkers at his palaces and the maintenance of a fleet of ‘Doomsday’ Il-80 Maxdome aircraft.

This nationwide nuclear exercise comes at a time when Russia is dedicating a substantial portion of its state budget to the military, police, and intelligence services, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The exercise, scheduled just four days before Putin’s 71st birthday, highlights the seriousness with which the Russian government views its readiness for potential crises.

As the world watches these developments closely, the implications of such large-scale preparations for a nuclear scenario remain a topic of international concern and discussion.

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Kim Jong-un Arrives in Russia for Talks with Putin Amid Speculation on Arms Deal

by Ikem Emmanuel
written by Ikem Emmanuel 2 minutes read

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has arrived in Russia, where he is scheduled to meet with President Vladimir Putin. The summit is expected to include discussions on potential arms deals that could support Moscow’s involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.

Kim’s journey to Russia involved a 20-hour train ride covering a distance of 1,180 kilometers (733 miles). The train, painted in green and yellow, is known for its heavy armored protection but moves at a relatively slow speed of about 50 kilometers per hour (31 miles per hour), significantly slower than modern trains.

Accompanying Kim on this trip are unspecified members of North Korea’s ruling party, government, and military, according to the country’s official news agency, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

South Korea’s military reported that the train crossed into Russian territory, although the details of how this information was obtained were not disclosed.

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The Meeting

The meeting between Kim and Putin is set to take place in Vladivostok, an eastern Russian city. President Putin arrived in Vladivostok ahead of the summit, which coincides with an international forum running through Wednesday.

This isn’t the first time Putin and Kim have met; their first meeting occurred in 2019 in a city located approximately 425 miles (680 kilometers) north of Pyongyang.

The exact timing and location of the summit were not specified in reports, but it is expected to take place after the conclusion of the Vladivostok forum.

Kim’s delegation includes several key figures, such as the foreign minister, top military officials, and individuals linked to North Korea’s efforts to acquire advanced military technologies, including spy satellites and nuclear-capable ballistic missile submarines.

This diplomatic engagement between North Korea and Russia marks Kim Jong-un’s first foreign trip since the COVID-19 pandemic, during which North Korea maintained strict border controls for more than three years. The outcome of their discussions may have broader implications for regional and international relations, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

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Russia Accidentally Bombs Its Own City

by Mercy Ulasi
written by Mercy Ulasi 1 minutes read

On Thursday night, a Russian fighter plane accidentally launched a missile, which exploded near the Ukrainian border in the Russian city of Belgorod.

According to the BBC, Belgorod’s regional governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, claimed the blast left a 20-metre-wide crater in the city centre.

As the Sukhoi Su-34, a supersonic fighter-bomber jet, exploded, three persons were injured and several structures were destroyed.
“At around 22:15 Moscow time on April 20, when a Su-34 plane of the Russian Aerospace Forces was performing a flight above the city of Belgorod, an emergency release of an air ordnance occurred,” the Russian defence ministry said in a statement.

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The Belgorod region, which is about an hour’s drive from the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, has been hit by rockets several times since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, according to BBC.

It was revealed that two women were taken to hospital for treatment and a nine-storey apartment block was evacuated because of potential structural damage, Gladkov said.

Meanwhile, an investigation will be launched into the incident to know the cause.

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Russia-Ukraine War: China Calls On Ukraine And Russia To Relaunch Peace Talks As Soon As Possible

by Mercy Ulasi
written by Mercy Ulasi 2 minutes read

China has entered the Russia-Ukraine conflict, stating that it would like to mediate a peace agreement between the two warring nations.
On Thursday, March 16, China’s foreign minister urged Kiev and Moscow to resume peace talks “as soon as possible,” warning that the conflict “could escalate and spiral out of control.”

Foreign Minister Qin Gang told his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba in a statement that China “hopes that all parties will keep calm, exercise restraint, resume peace talks as soon as possible, and return to the track of political settlement.”

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted that during his call with China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang earlier in the day, they discussed the “significance of the principle of territorial integrity”.

Russia-Ukraine War: China calls on Ukraine and Russia to relaunch Peace Talks as soon as possible

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Beijing again mentioned the idea of the so-called peace plan it floated last month as the foreign minister urged Kyiv and Moscow to restart peace talks “as soon as possible”.

China has been criticized by Western countries for failing to condemn Moscow’s invasion of its European neighbour, and last month strongly denied US claims that it was mulling arms shipments to support Russia’s war.

Beijing recently said that it hopes to play a constructive role in resolving the geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine and came up with the peace plan in the form of a 12-point foreign ministry paper for a gradual de-escalation between the warring nations.

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Russia Requests US Flights Near Its Borders To Be Suspended

by Echezona obinna
written by Echezona obinna 1 minutes read

After an American drone was shot down by Russian fighters over the Black Sea on Wednesday, Moscow’s ambassador to the US urged Washington to halt “hostile” flights close to its border.
Ambassador Anatoly Antonov posted on Telegram, “We assume the United States will refrain from further media speculation and stop aircraft near Russian borders. “We view any use of American weapons in an action as overtly hostile.”

The US military described a Russian fighter jet’s Tuesday manoeuvre as “reckless” after it dropped fuel on an American drone over the Black Sea before crashing into it.

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The US European Command said two Russian Su-27 fighters intercepted the unmanned MQ-9 Reaper over international waters and one clipped its propeller.
Russia’s defence ministry said Tuesday it scrambled fighter jets following the detection of a US drone over the Black Sea but denied causing it to crash.

The defence ministry in Moscow said it detected an American MQ-9 drone “over the waters of the Black Sea in the area of the Crimean peninsula” flying “towards the Russian state border”.

AFP

 

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Russia Can Never Prevail In Ukraine – Says Biden

by Echezona obinna
written by Echezona obinna 5 minutes read

On Wednesday, US President Joe Biden was scheduled to meet with leaders from Eastern Europe, just a day after saying that Russia would never win the Ukraine war.

Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia will continue its nearly year-long conflict. On Tuesday, he accused the West of escalating the crisis and announced that Russia would withdraw from the New START nuclear armaments accord with the US.
The Russian president stated that increased sanctions against the country “would not succeed,” and vowed that his government would continue to battle to “systematically” achieve its goals.

Addressing hours later in the capital of NATO partner Poland, Biden declared that “Ukraine will never be a victory for Russia – never”.

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The 80-year-old leader had a day earlier made a surprise visit to Kyiv, his first since the invasion began and just days before the war’s one-year anniversary.

Surrounded by a flag-waving crowd outside Warsaw’s Royal Castle, Biden responded directly to Putin’s accusations, saying the West “is not plotting to attack Russia”.

He said Putin “thought autocrats like himself were tough” but faced the “iron will” of the United States and its partners.
“There should be no doubt: our support for Ukraine will not waver, NATO will not be divided and we will not tire.”

Biden earlier met Polish President Andrzej Duda, saying his visit had come “at a critical moment”.
He also reaffirmed Washington’s “iron-clad” commitment to NATO’s principle of collective defence.

Duda said that thanks to Biden “we can see that America can keep the world order”.\

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– ‘Irresponsible’ –
Putin’s decision to suspend participation in New START was met with widespread international condemnation, though Russia’s foreign ministry later said Moscow would continue to comply with the treaty’s restrictions in a “responsible approach”.

The 2010 deal is the last remaining arms control treaty between the world’s two main nuclear powers.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Russia’s decision was “deeply unfortunate and irresponsible” but that Washington was still willing to talk about the issue.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the move meant that “the whole arms control architecture has been dismantled”.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Biden for his speech in a tweet, as well as “all of America for their leadership in rallying the world in support of freedom and for their vital assistance to Ukraine.”

“We all stand united and brave — Ukraine, USA and our entire coalition of victory.”

Zelensky met Tuesday in Kyiv with another coalition partner, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

While facing some pro-Russian sentiment in her right-wing ruling coalition, Meloni pledged that Rome “does not intend to waver” in its support for Ukraine.
However, sending fighter jets, which Zelensky has argued are vital for ending the war, is “not on the table” for now, she said.

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– ‘Critical moment’ –
Biden is due to meet Wednesday with the leaders of nine eastern NATO members who — though staunch supporters of Ukraine — fear the war spilling over.
When the Kremlin launched its Ukraine offensive, the so-called “special military operation” was planned to be a rapid conquest leading to capitulation and the installation of a pro-Russian regime.

Since then, Russia has been forced to give up ground but has kept up a barrage of drone and missile attacks, while the military and civilian toll has spiralled.

Various Western sources estimate the conflict has caused 150,000 casualties on each side.

Zelensky blasted Russia for “mercilessly killing” civilians Tuesday in the southern city of Kherson as local officials reported at least five deaths following strikes there.

AFP reporters saw dead bodies covered with plastic sheets or foil blankets on the streets near a bus stop and a supermarket.

Kherson is the capital of one of the four regions — along with Donetsk, Lugansk and Zaporizhzhia — that Russia claims to have annexed but has never fully controlled.

In Donetsk, Moscow’s relentless struggle to capture the city of Bakhmut has exposed tensions between the Russian military and the Wagner mercenary group.

The private fighting force’s head, Yevgeny Prigozhin, on Tuesday accused military chiefs of refusing to sufficiently supply his group, saying this amounted to “treason”.

Russia’s defence ministry responded by detailing ammunition deliveries and denouncing “absolutely false” reports of shortages.

– ‘Getting out of control’ –
China meanwhile said it was “deeply concerned” about the conflict, which it said was “intensifying and even getting out of control”.

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Beijing has sought to position itself as a neutral party, while maintaining close ties with strategic ally Russia.

China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, was in Moscow for talks, and due to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Wednesday.

The Kremlin has said Wang may also meet Putin during his visit, according to the official TASS news agency.

Stoltenberg on Tuesday echoed US concerns that China could supply Russia with weapons to help it pursue its campaign in Ukraine.
The Western allies worry they are falling behind in supplying enough shells for Kyiv’s artillery to fend off a renewed Russian offensive.

AFP

 

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Vladimir Putin Reveals What Will Lead To World War III
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The West Want To Destroy Russia – Moscow

by Echezona obinna
written by Echezona obinna 1 minutes read

On Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused the West of seeking to inflict a long-term defeat on Moscow and lashed out at European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen, who had just arrived in Kyiv.

“Ursula von der Leyen… emphasised that the end of the conflict should be Russia’s defeat, the kind of defeat that Russia cannot repair its economy for decades, for many decades,” Lavrov said in remarks broadcast on Russian state television.

“Is this not bigotry, Nazism, or an attempt to address ‘the Russian problem’?” Lavrov went on to recall Russia’s World War II victory over Nazi Germany.

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The European Commission chief announced she had arrived in Kyiv with a team of commissioners and the bloc’s most senior diplomat earlier Thursday, a day before a Ukraine-European Union summit in the war-torn country.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has frequently drawn parallels between what he calls Moscow’s “special military operation” in Ukraine and the war against Nazi Germany.

He launched the conflict in Ukraine in February last year with the announced aim of “de-Nazifying” the country.

AFP

 

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WWIII: The West Wants To ‘Tear Apart’ Russia – Putin Says

by Victor Ndubuisi
written by Victor Ndubuisi 4 minutes read

Accusing the West of attempting to “tear apart” Russia, President Vladimir Putin declared that his offensive in Ukraine meant to “unite the Russian people.”

While this was happening, people of Kyiv held Christmas services on Sunday, defying Russian religious authorities who observe it on January 7 and a day after horrific bombardment in southern Ukraine.

By asserting that Ukrainians and Russians are one people and undermining Kyiv’s sovereignty, Putin has utilized the idea of “historical Russia” to support his 10-month onslaught in Ukraine.

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In quotes from an interview that will run later on Sunday, Putin claimed that Russia’s “geopolitical adversaries (were) seeking to pull apart Russia, the historical Russia.”

“Divide and conquer, that’s what they have always sought to accomplish and are still seeking to do,” Putin added.

“But our goal is different: it’s to unite the Russian people,” he said.

Putin said his government was acting “in the right direction… protecting our national interests, the interests of our citizens, of our people.”

When questioned about the new air defense system that the United States will give to Ukraine, he reiterated that Moscow was willing to discuss and showed no sign of flinching.

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“Of course we will destroy it, 100 percent!” Putin said, referring to the Patriot missile battery promised to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Kherson ‘terror’

Zelensky received strong backing from US President Joe Biden during his first travel outside of Ukraine since the offensive started, including the most cutting-edge air defense system in the Pentagon.

In order for Ukraine to repel Russian forces, including from Kherson, the sole regional capital still occupied by Russia, Western military and financial assistance has been essential.

Kherson is under constant threat from Moscow’s weapons notwithstanding Russia’s withdrawal from the city.

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On Saturday, the Ukrainian army recorded 71 attacks on the partially retaken area, including 41 on the capital city, also called Kherson.

This included lethal shelling on a crowded market in the middle of the city, which resulted in 10 fatalities and 55 injuries.

Vladimir Saldo, the regional leader of Kherson who was appointed by Russia, claimed on Telegram that the shelling was “a terrible provocation” by Ukraine used to accuse Russia.

Zelensky denounced the “horror” inflicted by the Russians and exhorted his countrymen to endure as they observed a destructive Christmas eve.

As Orthodox Christians attended Christmas services on Sunday in Kyiv, they broke with the Russian spiritual authorities who will observe the holiday in two weeks. Church bells rang around the city.

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Olga Stanko, a worshipper during a ceremony in the heart of Kyiv, told Newsmen that she backed any action that would set Ukraine apart from Russia.

“The war has brought us so much grief,” she said. “We cannot do this with Russia, remain under its influence.”

The choice made by certain churches in Ukraine to celebrate Christmas on December 25 serves as a reminder of the growing divide between religious authorities in Kyiv and Moscow.

While 31 percent of respondents to an Interfax-Ukraine poll remained opposed to relocating the Christian holy day to December 25, support rose from 26 percent in 2021 to 44 percent in 2022.

Since at least the 17th century, Moscow has served as Ukraine’s spiritual head, but in 2019 the Ukrainian Orthodox Church split with Moscow over the annexation of Crimea and its support of separatists in the east.

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The Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s branch supported by Russia severed ties with Moscow in May.

Pope Francis demanded a resolution to the crisis from St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

“May the Lord… enlighten the minds of those who have the power to silence the thunder of weapons and put an immediate end to this senseless war!” the 86-year-old said.

 

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