RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

Russia knows how to deal with Ukrainian drones — Putin

Ukrainian drones "fly like flies over the heads" of the fighters in the special military operation, but Russia knows how to deal with it, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a meeting with military on May 7, following the inauguration ceremony. The video was released on May 9 by the Kremlin press service.

"We know how difficult it is for our fighters, who are faced with the fact that enemy drones are flying overhead like flies, we all know this. We are working on this, and I am sure we will see results," Putin said.

The Russian leader noted that those tasks that until recently were solved exclusively with the help of aviation systems are now being solved with small means, but with great effect.

The Russian people show their best qualities in difficult moments, their courage and heroism, which is confirmed by the special military operation, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"When such difficult, key moments come, the Russian people show their best qualities - courage and heroism, regardless of their age. It’s in our blood," Putin said.

He noted that he considers it important to have a frank conversation with the military so that tasks on the battlefield during Russia’s special military operation are solved with minimal losses.

"I really look forward to such a frank conversation about what and how we are doing on the battlefield, what else needs to be done so that the actions of our combat units are even more successful, so that tasks are solved with minimal losses and so that we achieve all the tasks given to us by our Motherland," Putin said.

Putin believes that on the battlefield Russia needs to be one step ahead in terms of high technology, he added.

"To be successful, we need to be one step ahead in high technology," the president said.

Putin added that Russian engineers and scientists work virtually around the clock so that the military personnel of the Russian Armed Forces can stay ahead of the enemy. This is one of the main conditions for achieving victory, he added.

"Our developers, scientists, and engineers also work around the clock to stay ahead of the enemy. I would like to repeat - we are generally successful. This is one of the main conditions for ensuring our overall success and victory," he said.

At the same time, Russia manages to obtain dual-use and civilian developments on the international market, which can also be used for combat operations, Putin said.

The key condition for Russia's development is success in a special military operation, Russian President Vladimir Putin believes.

"We have every opportunity - absolutely every opportunity - to ensure that all our tasks are fully realized. But only under one condition - subject to your successful work on the battlefield.

"This is the key condition today," he added.

The Western community, which works for Ukraine, wants to see Russia as a "weak link", Putin added. "The enemy has enough modern means, because the entire Western community is working for our enemy. It dreams about Russia no longer existing in its current form," he said.

At the same time, the president is certain that Russia will win the special military operation, with Russian soldiers' courage and heroism serving as its fundamental conditions. "We are aware of instances of courage and heroism," he said, adding, "This is absolutely crucial, this is one of the key prerequisites for our triumph, and I have no doubt about it.".

Russia will continue its mutually beneficial partnership with all countries that share the values of freedom and justice and stands for equal and indivisible security, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"I would like to emphasize - Russia will continue to develop a mutually beneficial partnership and friendship with everyone who shares the values of freedom and justice, advocates strict compliance with international law and a comprehensive, equal, and indivisible security system," Putin said.

He emphasized that this is a duty to everyone who went through the terrible trials of World War II.

In this difficult period for Russia, its fate depends on everyone, so we need to look up to the generation of victors in the Great Patriotic War, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the Victory Parade.

"Russia is now going through a difficult, milestone period, the fate of the Motherland, its future depends on each of us," he said.

"Today, on Victory Day, we realize this even more acutely and clearly and invariably look up to the generation of victors - brave, noble, and wise, for their ability to cherish friendship and persevere in the face of adversity, for their confidence in themselves and their country, and for their sincere and unselfish love for their Motherland," Putin emphasized.

He added that Russia rejects the claims of any states and alliances to exclusivity. "We reject the claims of any state or alliance to exclusivity. We know what such ambitions lead to," he said.

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Zelenskiy replaces special operations chief for second time in six months

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy replaced the commander of his special forces on Thursday, the second time in half a year that he has changed the head of the unit which operates in Moscow-occupied territories.

The dismissal of Colonel Serhiy Lupanchuk and appointment of Brigadier General Oleksandr Trepak in his place was announced in two decrees on the president's website that provided no explanation for the move.

Since 2014, Trepak has been actively participating in defence operations in east Ukraine against Russian-backed separatists. He was engaged in leading the push to repel the Russian assault on Donetsk airport, one of the biggest operations back then.

The Ukrainian military's chain of command has been changed at different levels since February when Zelenskiy replaced his top commander, Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, with then-ground forces commander Oleksandr Syrskyi in a major shake up.

At the time, Zelenskiy said a new military leadership was taking control of the armed forces and promised to "reboot" the system by bringing in experienced commanders who understood the daily needs of the troops.

The shakeup came at an uncertain time for Ukraine with Russian troops beginning to advance in the east, taking advantage of shortages of Ukrainian manpower at the front as well as dwindling stocks of artillery shells.

In a separate decree on Thursday, Zelenskiy also reappointed Dmytro Hereha as commander of the army's support forces, a post he was dismissed from without any explanation in March.

Lupanchuk was appointed to lead the special forces last November following the sudden dismissal of his predecessor Viktor Horenko.

Horenko's dismissal was seen at the time as a sign of a growing rift between Zelenskiy and his then top commander who was fired months later.

The special forces do not have a public profile, but are thought to have been involved in Ukraine's most ambitious operations in Russian-held areas and in particular the peninsula of Crimea.

Tass/Reuters

Alayeluwa Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba Agbotewole ll, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland is not an ordinary man. He is not an ordinary mortal. And he has refused, like Prince of Aragon in Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice, to ‘choose what many men desire and be ranked with barbarous multitudes!’ 

Right from that blessed day on April 2, 1960, the six-footer 26-year old newly crowned Oba made it clear in non-verbal communication, to the kingmakers, all of them his father’s age, that he would like to be ruled by his mind rather than by public applause. He would accord maximum respect as an Omoluwabi to their counsel and guidance but would never be tele-guided to take actions against truth, equity, justice and most importantly his conscience and God’s injunctions.

I remember that day in late March 1960 when students from all the 19 colleges in Ijebuland at that time were selected and led by their principals to Ipebi where the youngish King, proud son of Pa Rufai Adetona Adeleke and Madam Ajibabi Adetona [nee Onashile] was being prepared for crowning. It was to showcase the rites and rituals apropos the making of a king in Yoruba land. I was in that select-few from Ago-Iwoye Secondary School, the best secondary school in the world. We saw the tantalizingly handsome man whose face lightened the room like the full moon.

Right from that day when the crown was placed on his annointed head, the transformation from being a graduate of Olu-Iwa College Ijebu-Ode and final year undergraduate Accountancy student of a prestigious university in the UK had begun. The new Awujale had his vision of what he wanted to be, the kind of Oba he wanted to be, and the genuineness and sincerity of purpose he wished to show his subjects. He knew the new direction he was going to lead his people and had all his plans pencilled down in his heart.

What must have been paramount in his mind was continued economic prosperity of his people. The Ijebu had always been known for their business acumen and commercial wizardry. The word Ijebu was synonymous with Money. And it has forever remained so. He aspired to build on the economic glory of his people. As an accountant he knew how to place the figures. 

His second priority was to bring all the citizens of all the towns and villages of Ijebuland together and imbibe the broom philosophy in them. ‘Work together as a team, and you will never fail or falter’ that was his mantra and he worked assiduously to translate the wish into action and positive reality. 

His third priority was ethical reorientation. It is perhaps this third leg of his vision and mission that eventually brought out the uniqueness of his character and the rock on which his consequential crowning as Orisa was built. ‘No matter what; your word must remain your bond’ is one of the cardinals of Oba Sikiru Adetona’s guiding principles. 

Leaders of men usually emerge during troubled times. In critical situations when crucial decisions are needed to be made and full-proof strategic actions were to follow such are the moments the men of valour, men of courage, men of integrity and men of wisdom emerge like a meteor. It has been such moments in Nigeria’s chequered history that brought Adetona to national consciousness and national reckon and distinguished relevance.

Adetona became widely known for his forthrightness, his courage under fire, and his inimitable boldness, fearlessness and outspokenness. True to the name of his Ruling House, Anikinaiya/Anikilaya. He never gave a damn! And till date, he says it as it is. Adetona doesn’t associate colour grey with colour black. To him, grey is grey and black is black. No ‘amulumala’ as the Yoruba would say.

It is Alayeluwa Adetona’s unalloyed principle that a man must know when to say ‘NO’. All successful people in life, men and women, have been those individuals who have mastered the art of saying NO when No it should be. ‘Yes’ men and ‘Yes’ women never go far in life. Whoever chooses to live all his or her life pleasing others, not wanting to offend, will never be happy with themselves in the long run and even those being pleased will consider the yes-man a fool. That is the way of the world. Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi, the philosopher musician and song-writer says so. ‘Ko s’ogbon to le da, ko si’wa t’o le hu’ however much you strive you cannot please everybody.

Posterity will write Adetona’s name in gold whenever the matter of late General Oladipupo Diya’s unmitigated humiliation by General Sani Abacha is mentioned. When at that critical junction when valour and courage was needed after Abacha had shown clips of Diya’s humiliation to the assemblage of Nigerian Kings, when all the kings lost their voices, the irrepressible Adetona looked straight into Abacha’s goggled face and said ‘We have seen the clip [hen-hen? And so what?] Remember Diya is my son. Ijebu son.’

All Nigeria’s political leaders, from across the country, besieged the Awujale palace when they needed a strong voice, a dependable voice, a trusted voice to lead them out of the woods preparatory to ending military stranglehold on Nigeria’s political space..and life. Awujale’s role in restoring democracy to Nigeria in 1998/1999 was monumental. Those who knew, knew.

Awujale instituted several economic programmes and projects for his Ijebu country under the intellectual direction of the likes of Adebayo Adedeji, Victor Oyenuga and Akin Mabogunje to mention a few. And those projects thrived and the Ijebu at all levels benefitted hugely.

In 1985 and in fulfilment of his vision and mission of uniting all the towns and villages of Ijebuland, he appointed and installed traditional/honourary chiefs, 25 in all, from all corners and crannies of Ijebuland, including Ikorodu and Epe, to mark his 25th year on the throne. I consider myself lucky and privileged to be among the 25 as Akogun1 of Ijebuland.

Adetona galvanized the entire Ijebu citizenry through revitalisation and reinvigoration of the Age Grades system known as Regberegbe, got a mini Stadium built through communal efforts, and turned the age-long annual  Ojude-Oba festival into a nonpareil Cultural activity and Tourism carnival, easily the best in Nigeria and most-talked-about-cultural event globally.

During Adetona’s long and eventful reign, Ijebuland has enjoyed phenomenal growth in all spheres of human endeavour, exemplified by many educational institutions including the largest number of universities per population in Nigeria. 

The King himself, dynamic, authoritative and magisterial has proved to be the real Kabio’osi Alase Ekeji Orisa, the unquestionable, second to the gods. 

To us in Ijebuland, we have elevated His Royal Majesty to the pantheon of gods.

He is ORISA-IJEBU and we all hail him as he majestically joins the prestigious Nonagenarian Club today May 10, 2024.

** Tola Adeniyi, Akogun l of Ijebuland and Jagun Oodua Adimula ll of Ile-Ife.

There are probably more books on how to sell everything than there is sand by the seashore. I have read a few myself and might say that when it comes to selling, even though what you have read might help, nothing teaches like what you learn by doing it. 

For some, selling feels natural. I cannot remember how many times I have bought stuff that I really didn’t need because the seller made me feel like they were offering the moon on a stick. Good for those who have such skills but when it comes to selling, I’m far from a natural. I overthink, over-analyse and take failure to deliver rather personal – all perfect signs of a poor salesman.

Even after giving it my best shot, I linger on the matter, beating myself over the head about how I might have done better. That was probably why my first book, The trial of Nuhu Ribadu: A riveting story of Nigeria’s anti-Corruption war was not a commercial success, even though I closed it believing that recording that important phase of Nigeria’s life was more important than commercial success.

When I set out to write my second book, however, a couple of things had changed. Not the textbook principles of selling such as – place, product, promotions, price or physical presence. Sixteen years ago, when that first book was released, the Internet and social media were in their infancy. That has changed. 

Thinking of writing?

And just as important, I cannot be thinking of writing a book about monetising content, without thinking about how the book will reward my effort, and of course, also inspire young writers. If that was ever going to happen, I needed to be intentional – and even if I fail, fail intentionally. 

Being intentional meant digging a bit more beforehand to find the best combination of theory and practice. Given that social media was going to play a vital role in the effort, a digital migrant like me also needed to immerse a bit more in the cauldron where for many years I was more than happy to have just one toe in.

A group of closet experts – Adeyeye Joseph, Freeman Oloruntoba, Emeke Ishiekwene, Wilson Onwuka, Sam Ossai and Ololade Bamidele – prepped me for weeks on the perils and promises of riding a digital highway riddled with avatars and the armours I must always remember. On this road, it’s not enough to look left, right and left again, as your mother taught you. Timing, form, medium and message are just as important. Plus remembering all the time that the vocabulary in your standard English dictionary may have gone stale!

KK’s fan base rule 

I must also share something from an article by Kevin Kelly updated in Tim Ferriss’ book, Tools of Titans. Kelly’s principle of 1,000 true fans says that a true fan is someone who will buy anything and everything you produce. This rule of true fans says that to be a successful creator, you don’t need millions. Not millions of dollars or millions of clients or millions of customers.

If you’re happy to make a living, and not a fortune, you need just 1k true fans who will climb any mountain, cross any river, and jump any hurdle to buy a minimum quantity of what you have produced over a period of time. With the over 3k contacts on my phone, I had to decide who among them could be superfans. 

King’s exceptionalism 

But a part of me also kept going to Stephen King. I don’t know what it was, whether it was genius or serendipity. But when he made his break there was neither Facebook nor X. There was no Instagram or LinkedIn. He was, quite frankly, an unknown; a man of promise and a good husband no doubt, but nevertheless an unknown part-time teacher and writer, hoping for a break someday. He didn’t have a community outside his family of his wife and three children, never mind a fanbase of 1k.

And then he produced Carrie, a book he totally didn’t expect much from when he mailed the manuscript to Doubleday, his publisher, that later passed the paperback rights to Signet Books. He was in his kitchen one day, long after the manuscript had been sent when he got a call from Doubleday that nearly knocked him off his chair. The book, which he would have been delirious to get only $30k from, had just fetched him $400k!

Genius or luck? 

Don’t ask me what that was. Genius, serendipity or a good mix of both. But there you have it! No true fans, no social media, no promotions. Yet, boom! It happened.

You’re right. You don’t get a King every time. And so, I took my fate in my own hands hoping to put into play in the sale of Writing for Media and Monetising It, everything I have learnt about selling, from selling charcoal for my mother many years ago to selling newspapers for the past over 35 years I’ve been a journalist.

My experience in the past three weeks since Premium Times Books released my book has been funny, thrilling, with not a few surprises – and yet these are early days. Last week, I shared the concerns of one of the journalism’s icons and publisher of Vanguard, Sam Amuka, fondly called Uncle Sam, about how to get people to read the book. 

Not an easy one but I’m hoping that sharing how folks can be rewarded – in a clear, relatable way – while they’re doing what they enjoy doing, might interest more than a few regular folks enough to read. I hope I’m right.

My ‘fan-mail’ 

If social media feedback were convertible – and there have been quite a number of heartfelt ones – then King might well be prepared for a good chase. Are you laughing, as I suspect?

But seriously, there have also been a few rather curious feedback. One follower – I’m not sure whether to classify him as super, lightweight or just a passerby – sent a message congratulating me profusely for the book. I was naturally hoping the next thing he would ask was how or where he would buy a copy, to which I would have directed him to: www.azu.media. But no. He simply said, “Great one, Azu. Send me a copy!”

That put me on the spot, but not for long. After mulling how to respond, I said, “Thank you, Sir.” To which he responded with the meme of hands clasped in prayer. End of story!

Another one was more social. Amidst a video thread of greetings and wishes for commercial success, this follower simply said, “My own na you look good…brains plus charms…hmm.” To which I responded with the meme of hands clasped in prayers. Or what?

I know it’s still a long road to June 26 when the book will be publicly presented, but with followers like Brains Plus Charms, you’d better not rule out a Carrie story. Writing for Media and Monetising It, may not be a work of fiction like King’s Carrie, but it was invested with no less heart, passion and planning. The rest, perhaps, is a matter of luck!

** Ishiekwene is Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP

I recently returned from teaching a class of executive education students at Harvard. Most of the business leaders enrolled in this particular class were accomplished real-estate and property developers from around the world.

Builders are always sharpening their communication skills because nothing gets built until investors, city leaders, and local citizens buy into a developer's vision. So, to be convincing, developers constantly refine their plans and pitches to 'resonate with stakeholders.'

Regardless of your field, if your messagedoesn't resonate with your audience, you stand little chance of gaining their support. The only question that really matters to them is:

"Why should I care?" 

I learned to answer this question on my first day of graduate school in journalism. A good reporter sits down at the keyboard and, before typing a word, asks, "Why should my reader care?"

I coach CEOs and entrepreneurs to ask themselves the same question before creating a pitch or PowerPoint presentation. Sometimes, I have to deliver the hard truth--nobody cares about your product or market share. They only care about how your product, service, or idea improves their lives.

What your audience cares about falls into one of five categories.

1. Making money

Money is a big motivator, of course. But it helps to know the number that will grab a person's attention.

For example, professional investors like venture capitalists want to know if the potential market for your idea will provide a significant enough return to make it worth their commitment. Do your research and come armed with specific (and realistic) numbers.

2. Saving money and time

If your idea saves money or time, once again, be specific. Giving someone time back is more valuable than you might think.

I once met with executives at one of the world's largest tech companies. We were discussing how to market a new computer server. The engineers who built it were focused on its speed and storage. 

But when I asked how the product would improve the lives of their buyers (in this case, IT managers), nobody brought up technical specs. Instead, they said buyers want to save time upgrading and maintaining systems.

Their pitch worked better when they started with the value proposition: "our new class of servers will save you twenty hours a week, which you can use to catch your kids' soccer games."

3. Leaving a legacy

What if your customer isn't interested in making more money? I once spoke to the executive assistant to a billionaire who founded a company that's a household word. 

She said he gets pitched on new business ideas nearly every day. But the one thing entrepreneurs did wrong was assume her boss wanted to make more money.

This billionaire was focused on philanthropy and funded organizations that would extend the legacy he wanted to leave. He was motivated to make the world a better place, not make another buck.

4. Fulfilling their purpose

Many employee surveys reach the same conclusion--younger generations want to work for a company that aligns with their values. They're looking for purposeful and meaningful work. 

A recruiter who knows her audience might spend less time on the free food the company offers and more time on how the job candidate will be inspired by the company's mission.

5. Finding personal satisfaction

People are also increasingly motivated by things that make their lives easier: flex time, remote work arrangements, and opportunities to better their communities.

As you might guess by now, knowing your audience means listening to them--really listening to them. Do your research, study your audience, and you'll win them over.

Inc

The Labour Party (LP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the House of Representatives, and the Pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, have raised concerns about the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. This comes as Works Minister, David Umahi, engages in a verbal spat with former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, over the project.

The LP called for transparency from President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding the motives behind the project. Afenifere urged a halt and review of the project to ensure adherence to due process.

Umahi accused Atiku of promoting politically motivated falsehoods to discredit the procurement process for the project. He dismissed Atiku's criticisms as hypocritical and politically driven.

According to Umahi's spokesperson, Orji Uchenna Orji, Atiku's claims regarding the project's award, cost, and choice of contractor are baseless and politically motivated. He defended the procurement process, stating that it complied with all legal requirements and was awarded transparently.

The LP demanded explanations from the APC-led administration regarding allegations of impropriety surrounding the project. PDP criticized what it called lies propagated by the APC government to promote the project, expressing suspicion over its design and cost.

Afenifere called for a halt to the project, citing concerns over its environmental and economic impact. The organization emphasized the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and adherence to relevant regulations before proceeding with the project.

As tensions rise over the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, stakeholders continue to demand transparency, accountability, and adherence to due process.

On Wednesday, the naira experienced a decline to N1,450 at the parallel segment of the foreign exchange (FX) market. This current rate indicates a 1.4 percent depreciation compared to the N1,430 rate observed on May 6. Currency traders, commonly referred to as bureau de change (BDC) operators, set the buying rate of the dollar at N1,410 and the selling price at N1,450, yielding a profit margin of N40.

Meanwhile, at the official window, the local currency depreciated by 1.98 percent to N1,421.06 on May 8, down from N1,416.57 on May 7. During trading, the dollar fluctuated between a high of N1,440 and a low of N1,335, as reported by data from FMDQ Exchange, the platform overseeing FX trading in Nigeria.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revised its directive on the repatriation of export proceeds by international oil companies (IOCs) on May 7. In February, the CBN had imposed limits on the transfer of proceeds from crude exports by IOCs to offshore parent company accounts, as part of measures to stabilize the FX market.

The CBN expressed concern over the impact of these fund transfers on liquidity in the domestic FX market, prompting the need for policy adjustments. As per the updated directive, the initial 50% of repatriated proceeds can be pooled immediately or at a later date as required. Banks are instructed to submit requests for cash pooling, supported by necessary documentation, for approval by the CBN.

Moreover, the remaining 50% balance of repatriated export proceeds can be utilized by IOCs for various financial obligations within Nigeria, including cash calls, domestic loan repayments, and transaction taxes such as the Nigerian Content Development (NCD) levy and education tax. Additionally, IOCs are permitted to sell forex at the FX market using this balance, as outlined by the apex bank.

Nigerian authorities have refuted claims made by Binance's CEO regarding solicitation of bribes, labeling the accusations as a "diversionary tactic" and an "act of blackmail" aimed at undermining ongoing criminal proceedings against the company.

Binance, recognized as the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, along with two of its executives, faces separate trials on charges of tax evasion and laundering exceeding $35 million, which the company vehemently contests. While Tigran Gambaryan, Binance's head of financial crime compliance and a U.S. citizen, remains in custody, British-Kenyan Nadeem Anjarwalla has fled the country.

CEO Richard Teng, in a blog post, pointed fingers at unidentified Nigerian officials, alleging their demand for a $150 million cryptocurrency bribe to halt investigations.

However, Nigeria's Information Ministry spokesperson Rabiu Ibrahim dismissed these claims on Wednesday, asserting that they "lack any iota of substance." Ibrahim accused Binance of attempting to undermine Nigeria's legal proceedings, labeling the allegations as a diversionary tactic and an act of blackmail.

He reiterated Nigeria's stance, emphasizing that Binance is under investigation for purportedly enabling its platform to facilitate money laundering, terrorism financing, and foreign exchange manipulation through illicit trading. Nigerian authorities view the bribery allegations as part of a broader campaign by Binance to discredit ongoing investigations, referencing similar legal challenges faced by the company in the United States.

While Binance refrained from immediate comment, a previous statement accused Nigeria of establishing a dangerous precedent, following the detention of its executives during what was purportedly a dialogue and subsequent crackdown on the cryptocurrency industry.

The blog post authored by Teng represents the latest development in an escalating dispute that led to Binance suspending operations in Nigeria. Nigeria has previously pointed fingers at Binance for exacerbating its currency woes, particularly as cryptocurrency platforms emerged as preferred avenues for trading the Nigerian naira amidst chronic dollar shortages. Binance announced in early March its decision to cease all transactions and trading involving the naira.

Netanyahu weighs risks of Rafah assault as hostage dilemma divides Israelis

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces competing pressures at home and abroad when he weighs how far to push the operation to defeat Hamas in Rafah that complicates hopes of bringing Israeli hostages home.

Street demonstrations against the government by families and supporters of some of the more than 130 hostages still held in Gaza have become a constant fixture, with protestors demanding a ceasefire deal with Hamas to get them back.

Others are demanding the government and the Israeli Defence Forces press ahead with the Rafah operation against the remaining Hamas formations holding out around the city which began this week with air strikes and battles on the outskirts.

"We applaud the Israeli government and the IDF for going into Rafah," said Mirit Hoffman, a spokesperson for Mothers of IDF Soldiers, a group representing families of serving military personnel, which wants an uncompromising line to pressure Hamas into surrender.

"We think that this is how negotiations are done in the Middle East."

The opposing pressures mirror divisions in Netanyahu's cabinet between centrist ministers concerned at alienating Washington, Israel's most vital ally and supplier of arms, and religious nationalist hardliners determined to clear Hamas out of the Gaza Strip.

Hamas handed Netanyahu a dilemma this week when it declared it had accepted a ceasefire proposal brokered by Egypt for a halt to fighting in return for an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Israeli officials rejected the offer, accusing Hamas of altering the terms of the deal. But it did not break off negotiations and shuttle diplomacy continues, with CIA chief Bill Burns in Israel on Wednesday to meet Netanyahu.

Internationally, protests have spread against Israel's campaign in Gaza, which has so far killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, and spread malnutrion and disease in the enclave.

Seven months into the war, surveys show opinion in Israel has become increasingly divided since Netanyahu first vowed to crush Hamas in retaliation for the Oct. 7 attack that killed some 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies, took more than 250 hostage, and triggered the campaign in Gaza.

"I understand that it's necessary to defeat Hamas but I think that can wait, and the hostages cannot wait," said Elisheva Leibler, 52, from Jerusalem. "Every second they're there poses immediate danger to their lives."

For the moment, Netanyahu has kept the cabinet together, rejecting the latest Hamas proposal for a ceasefire but keeping the negotiations alive by dispatching mid-ranking officials to Cairo, where Egyptian mediators are overseeing the process.

But the risks he faces by holding out against a deal, as his hard-right partners wish, were highlighted on Tuesday when Washington paused a shipment of weapons to signal its opposition to the long-promised Rafah assault.

DIVIDED OPINION

Despite his image as a security hawk, Netanyahu, Israel's longest serving prime minister, has struggled with a widespread perception that he was to blame for the security failures that allowed Hamas to overwhelm Israel's defences around Gaza.

That has fed a mood of distrust among many Israelis who otherwise support strong action against Hamas.

A survey published on Wednesday for Channel 13 suggested that 56% of Israelis thought Netanyahu's chief consideration was his own political survival against only 30% who thought it was freeing the hostages.

A survey by the Israel Democracy Institute found just over half the population believed a deal to rescue the hostages should be the top government priority, over the aim of destroying the remaining Hamas formations.

But a separate poll by the Jewish People's Policy Institute (JPPI) found 61% thought the military must operate in Rafah no matter what. The Channel 13 poll found 41% in favour of accepting the deal and 44% opposed.

"I don't trust Hamas at all," said 81 year-old David Taub, from Jerusalem. "The only solution is to conquer Rafah, and then maybe, we hope, we pray, the hostages will come back to us."

For the moment, Netanyahu depends on the two hardliners from the nationalist religious bloc, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, both of whom reject any suggestion of compromise.

Both have clashed repeatedly with Benny Gantz, the centrist former army general who joined the emergency wartime cabinet in the wake of Oct 7, and who is the leading contender to replace Netanyahu after new elections.

Gantz and his ally Gadi Eisenkot, another former army chief, are both sworn enemies of Hamas but both have been alarmed at the deterioration in relations with the United States.

For the increasingly desperate hostage families, a mood of deepening exhaustion at the endless uncertainty has settled in, with hopes of a safe return overcoming any other consideration.

Niva Wenkert, mother of 22-year-old hostage Omer Wenkert, said she had no choice but to trust Israeli leaders but that not enough had been done.

"The hostages are still in Gaza, the military actions almost stopped and the feelings are very, very bad. I want Omer back."

Reuters

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

What is known about string of blasts at Ukraine’s power facilities

Russia’s Armed Forces have struck Ukraine’s energy sector and military-industrial complex in response to Kiev’s attempts to attack Russian power facilities, the Russian Defense Ministry told reporters.

According to the ministry, the strikes were carried out with drones as well as sea-and air-launched precision weapons, including Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missiles.

In the early hours of Wednesday, explosions occurred at fuel and energy facilities in Kiev as well as in several other Ukrainian regions. Power outages were reported in some Ukrainian cities and districts. The authorities urged citizens to reduce energy consumption and warned of possible rolling blackouts in the evening hours.

TASS has compiled the key information about the situation.

Air raid warnings

Air raid warnings were issued throughout Ukraine at about 4:00 a.m. Moscow time (1:00 a.m. GMT) and were in effect for more than two hours.

The second nationwide air raid alert was issued at about 6:30 a.m. Moscow time (3:30 a.m. GMT), just 20 minutes after the previous one was canceled. The second alert was lifted at about 7:00 a.m. Moscow time (4:00 a.m. GMT).

The alert was in effect much longer in a number of regions: for more than three hours in Kiev, for five hours in the Nikolayev Region and for seven hours in the Kharkov Region.

On Wednesday morning and afternoon, air raid sirens sounded again but were later canceled in some regions, including the Kharkov, Poltava and Sumy ones.

Aftermath

On Wednesday night, morning and afternoon, explosions were heard in the cities of Kiev and Kharkov, in the Ivano-Frankovsk, Lvov and Poltava Regions, as well as in the Kiev-controlled areas of the Zaporozhye and Kherson Regions.

Electricity generation and transmission facilities were damaged in the Vinnitsa, Ivano-Frankovsk, Kirovograd, Lvov and Poltava Regions, as well as in the Kiev-controlled areas of the Zaporozhye Region, Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko said.

Ukraine’s National Energy Company Ukrenergo said that equipment at one of its power facilities in central Ukraine was damaged, whereas the DTEK energy holding said that three of its thermal power plants had been severely damaged.

Following the explosions, power and water outages were reported in the city of Zaporozhye. A partial blackout was also reported in the city of Kherson (both are under Kiev’s control).

Power supply restrictions

Ukraine’s Energy Ministry has urged the country’s residents to reduce electricity consumption during peak hours (from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Moscow time, that is from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. GMT) due to considerable damage caused to infrastructure in a wide range of regions.

Ukrenergo warned about possible rolling blackouts across Ukraine from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Moscow time (from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. GMT). Kiev has asked EU countries for emergency aid.

Fires at power facilities in western Ukraine

A fire has broken out at an energy facility in the Ivano-Frankovsk Region, where explosions were heard earlier in the day.

In the Lvov Region, a natural gas facility in the Stryi district and a thermal power plant in the Chervonograd district were damaged as a result of the explosions, the regional head, Maksim Kozitsky, said.

Poland’s response

Poland and its allied forces scrambled warplanes due to what Warsaw saw as active operation of Russian aircraft.

Russian Defense Ministry’s comments

Later, the Russian Defense Ministry informed about "a combined strike" on Ukraine’s energy and military-industrial enterprises. The ministry explained that the strike was delivered "in retaliation to the Kiev regime’s attempts to inflict damage on Russia’s energy facilities."

The goals of the strike were achieved, the ministry said. According to its data, "the strike substantially degraded Ukraine’s capabilities for rolling out military products and deploying Western-made armaments and military equipment to the line of combat engagement.".

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Ukrainian drones strike Russian fuel depot, officials say

A Ukrainian drone attack sparked a fire and damaged several storage tanks at a fuel depot in Russia's Krasnodar region, the region's crisis administration said on Thursday.

About six drones were destroyed and debris fell on the refinery near the village of Yurovka, the administration said on the Telegram messaging app.

"Several tanks were damaged," the administration said, adding no one was injured in the attack.

Drone attacks on energy facilities inside Russia's territory have become more frequent in the past few months. Kyiv officials say that they conduct the attacks to undermine Russia's war effort and respond to Moscow's strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

The oil depot was last attacked on May 2, according to Russian state media.

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