WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

US will abandon Ukraine peace push if no progress soon, Trump and Rubio say

The United States will walk away from efforts to broker a Russia-Ukrainepeace deal unless there are clear signs of progress soon, U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday.

"Quickly, we want to get it done," Trump told reporters at the White House. "Now if for some reason one of the two parties makes it very difficult, we're just going to say, 'you're foolish, you're fools, you're horrible people, and we're going to just take a pass. But hopefully we won't have to do that."

Trump's comments followed remarks by Rubio, his top diplomat, who said the sides had just days to show progress or Washington would walk.

"We're not going to continue with this endeavour for weeks and months on end. So we need to determine very quickly now, and I'm talking about a matter of days, whether or not this is doable in the next few weeks," Rubio said in Paris after meeting European and Ukrainian leaders.

"If it's not possible, if we're so far apart that this is not going to happen, then I think the president is probably at a point where he's going to say, 'well, we're done'."

Trump, when asked, declined to set a specific deadline for how long he was willing to wait.

"Marco's right in saying ... we want to see it end," Trump said. Asked if Russian President Vladimir Putin was stalling, Trump replied: "I hope not."

Over the past few weeks, Trump officials have acknowledged privately that the chances of a quick peace deal in Ukraine have grown elusive. Rubio's comments, three European diplomats said, reflected growing frustration in the White House over Russian intransigence to end the war.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said some progress on a peace settlement had already been made but that contacts with Washington were difficult. He said Russia was striving to resolve the conflict while ensuring its own interests. Moscow remained open to dialogue with the United States, he added.

U.S. officials were also frustrated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's comment this week that Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, was "spreading Russian narratives," and said that was not helpful to the process, one U.S. official said.

The talks in Paris on Thursday were the first substantive, high-level and in-person talks on Trump's peace push that have included European powers. Rubio said a U.S. peace framework he presented received an "encouraging reception." Zelenskiy's office called the talks constructive and positive.

Vice President JD Vance, speaking in Rome as he met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, said he was optimistic the United States could help end this "very brutal war".

A U.S. official said the sides would re-engage in London next week, giving Ukraine time to agree fully to a "term sheet" presented by Washington. Kyiv was ready for a comprehensive ceasefire over sea, land and air for at least 30 days or longer, the official said.

GROWING FRUSTRATIONS AS PEACE DEALS PROVE ELUSIVE

Trump promised during his election campaign to end the war in Ukraine within his first 24 hours in the White House. He moderated that claim on taking office, suggesting a deal by April or May as obstacles mounted.

He has pressured both sides to come to the negotiating table, threatening tougher sanctions on Russia or an end to billions of dollars in U.S. military support for Kyiv.

Both Ukraine and Russia showed up for U.S.-brokered talks in Saudi Arabia, which resulted in a partial ceasefire, but nothing more. Meanwhile, the war has continued, including a recent Russian missile attack that hit Sumy in northeastern Ukraine, killing 35 people - an attack Trump called a "mistake".

A source familiar with internal deliberations said Trump had made clear to his team he was questioning whether it was worthwhile sticking with the talks to break the impasse.

The first U.S. official said Rubio's comments were reflecting Trump's frustration with the issue and a concern that this will soon be "Trump's war."

If Washington walks away, efforts to broker a peace would likely founder because no other nation is able to bring similar pressure on both Moscow and Kyiv.

Other impacts are unclear. The United States could keep its current policy on the conflict unchanged, maintaining sanctions on Russia and keeping U.S. aid flowing to Kyiv. Alternatively, Trump could decide to halt payments to Ukraine.

Trump said on Thursday he expected to sign a minerals deal with Kyiv next week after an attempt in February fell apart following Zelenskiy's Oval Office clash with Vance and the Republican president.

Rubio said he spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov after the Paris talks and briefed him on elements of the U.S. peace framework.

Putin has said he wants Ukraine to drop its NATO ambitions, permanently cede to Russia the four regions it has lost and limit the size of its army. Kyiv says those demands are tantamount to demanding its capitulation.

However, Bloomberg reported on Friday that Washington was prepared to recognize Russian control of the Ukrainian region of Crimea, annexed by Moscow in 2014, as part of a broader peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv.

Rubio said the Europeans had a central role to play in any peace pact, especially as their sanctions on Russia would likely need to be lifted to secure an accord.

He said the issue of U.S. security guarantees came up in the Paris talks, adding they were an issue "we can fix in a way that's acceptable to everyone." But, he cautioned, "we have bigger challenges that we need to figure out."

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

Russian troops liberate four communities in Donetsk region over week — top brass

Russian troops liberated four communities in the Donetsk region over the week of April 12-18, including the settlement of Valentinovka in the past 24 hours in the special military operation in Ukraine, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on Friday.

"Battlegroup South units liberated the settlements of Kalinovo and Valentinovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic through active operations… Battlegroup Center units liberated the settlements of Yelizavetovka and Preobrazhenka in the Donetsk People’s Republic through decisive operations," the ministry said in a statement.

Russia hammers Ukrainian military-industrial sites in nine precision strikes over week

Russian forces delivered nine strikes by precision weapons and attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on Ukrainian military-industrial sites over the week, including a strike on the morning of April 18, the ministry reported.

"On April 12-18 this year, the Russian Armed Forces delivered nine combined strikes by precision-guided weapons and attack unmanned aerial vehicles, hitting enterprises of Ukraine’s military-industrial complex, the infrastructure of military airfields, warehouses of armament, ammunition, missiles, attack unmanned aerial vehicles and uncrewed boats, UAV operator training centers and temporary deployment sites of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries," the ministry said.

On the morning of April 18, the Russian Armed Forces "delivered a combined strike by long-range precision weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles on key production sites of unmanned aircraft systems and infrastructure facilities of Ukraine’s military airfields," it said.

The goals of the strike were achieved and all the designated targets were struck, the ministry reported.

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicts over 1,900 casualties on Ukrainian army in week

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 1,900 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed six enemy tanks and 39 armored combat vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the week, the ministry reported.

"During the week, Battlegroup North units continued destroying Ukrainian armed formations on the territory of the Kursk Region. Combat aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and artillery struck manpower and equipment of a tank brigade, four mechanized brigades, three air assault brigades and an assault regiment of the Ukrainian army, a marine infantry brigade and five territorial defense brigades," the ministry said.

In the Belgorod and Kharkov directions, Battlegroup North units inflicted losses on formations of five mechanized brigades, a motorized infantry brigade, an air assault brigade, a coastal defense brigade and an assault regiment of the Ukrainian army and four territorial defense brigades, it said.

The Ukrainian army lost more than 1,900 troops in that frontline area over the week. Sixty-four Ukrainian service members surrendered to Russian forces, the ministry said.

In addition, Russian forces destroyed six tanks, 39 armored combat vehicles, 99 motor vehicles, six multiple launch rocket systems, including two US-made HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, 46 field artillery guns, two surface-to-air missile systems, eight electronic warfare and counterbattery radar stations and ten ammunition and materiel depots of the Ukrainian army in those frontline areas over the week, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicts over 1,730 casualties on Ukrainian army in week

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 1,730 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed 30 enemy artillery guns, including seven NATO weapons in its area of responsibility over the week, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup West units gained better lines and positions and inflicted losses on manpower and equipment of five mechanized brigades, a jaeger brigade, two assault brigades and an artillery brigade of the Ukrainian army, three territorial defense brigades and a National Guard brigade," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army lost more than 1,730 personnel, two tanks, 13 armored combat vehicles, including three US-made M113 armored personnel carriers, 45 motor vehicles, 30 field artillery guns, among them seven NATO 155mm self-propelled artillery systems and howitzers, 12 electronic warfare and counterbattery radar stations and 21 ammunition depots in that frontline area over the week, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicts over 2,170 casualties on Ukrainian army in week

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted more than 2,170 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed 35 enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the week, the ministry reported.

During the week, Battlegroup South units "inflicted losses on formations of seven mechanized brigades, an airmobile brigade, three assault brigades, an artillery brigade, an unmanned aircraft systems regiment of the Ukrainian army, three territorial defense brigades, three National Guard brigades and the Azov special operations brigade [outlawed in Russia as a terrorist group]," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army lost more than 2,170 personnel, two tanks, 27 armored combat vehicles, including four M113 armored personnel carriers and a Stryker armored fighting vehicle of US manufacture, 74 motor vehicles, 35 field artillery guns, among them four Western-made 155mm weapons, six electronic warfare stations, 27 ammunition, fuel and materiel depots in that frontline area over the week, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicts over 2,680 casualties on Ukrainian army in week

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 2,680 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed 20 enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the week, the ministry reported.

During the week, Battlegroup Center units "inflicted losses on manpower and equipment of six mechanized brigades, two assault brigades, an airborne brigade, three jaeger brigades, an unmanned systems brigade and an assault regiment of the Ukrainian army, a marine infantry brigade and four National Guard brigades," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army lost more than 2,680 personnel, two tanks, 20 armored combat vehicles, including seven US-made M113 armored personnel carriers, 35 motor vehicles and 34 field artillery guns, among them six 155mm US-manufactured Paladin, French-manufactured Caesar and Polish-manufactured Krab self-propelled artillery systems in that frontline area over the week, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicts over 1,020 casualties on Ukrainian army in week

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted more than 1,020 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed 18 enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the week, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup East units kept advancing deep into the enemy’s defenses and inflicted losses on formations of two mechanized brigades, a jaeger brigade, an airmobile brigade, an air assault brigade and a mountain assault brigade of the Ukrainian army, a marine infantry brigade, three territorial defense brigades and a National Guard brigade," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army lost more than 1,020 personnel, a tank, eight armored combat vehicles, 20 motor vehicles, 18 field artillery guns, among them three NATO weapons and four electronic warfare stations in that frontline area over the week, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr inflicts over 540 casualties on Ukrainian army in week

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr inflicted more than 540 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed a US-made HIMARS multiple launch rocket system and 16 enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the week, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup Dnepr units gained better lines and positions and inflicted losses on manpower and equipment of three mechanized brigades, a mountain assault brigade, three coastal defense brigades of the Ukrainian army and three territorial defense brigades," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army lost more than 540 personnel, four armored combat vehicles and 56 motor vehicles in that frontline area over the week, it specified.

In addition, Russian forces destroyed a US-made HIMARS multiple launch rocket system, 12 field artillery guns, nine electronic warfare and counterbattery radar stations and 16 ammunition depots of the Ukrainian army, it said.

Russian air defenses down F-16 fighter, 1,618 Ukrainian UAVs over week

Russian air defense forces shot down an F-16 fighter aircraft and 1,618 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles over the week, the ministry reported.

"Over the week, air defense capabilities shot down a Ukrainian Air Force F-16 aircraft, 45 JDAM guided aerial bombs and 29 rockets of the HIMARS multiple launch rocket system of US manufacture and 1,618 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles," the ministry said.

Overall, the Russian Armed Forces have destroyed 661 Ukrainian warplanes, 283 helicopters, 52,592 unmanned aerial vehicles, 603 surface-to-air missile systems, 22,920 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 1,541 multiple rocket launchers, 23,820 field artillery guns and mortars and 34,317 special military motor vehicles since the start of the special military operation, the ministry reported.

Reuters/Tass

Hedieh Mirahmadi

The Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday is often shrouded in mystery and anticipation. While the crucifixion and resurrection command our attention, we must not overlook the profound significance of that silent Saturday.

It was a day filled with palpable tension, a day suspended between the agony of the cross and the triumph of the empty tomb. In that solemn silence, the world held its breath, waiting for the dawn of redemption that was yet to come.

What transpired in the depths of that day? What divine mysteries unfolded as the world waited? Let us explore the Scriptures, shedding light on the enigmatic journey of Jesus during those hushed hours.

What does God’s Word tell us about what happened that Saturday?

While some mysteries will remain unanswered until we get to Heaven, the Bible provides all we need for today, revealing not only past events but also timeless truths. 

One theory suggests Jesus proclaimed His victory to imprisoned demons from Noah's era. 1 Peter 3:18-20 tells us: 

“Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring us to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive in the Spirit, in which He went and preached to the spirits in prison, those who were disobedient during Noah's time.”

Ephesians 4:7-9 speaks of grace given according to Christ's gift: “When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men.” This implies a descent into the lower parts of the earth before His ascent above the heavens.

Both passages suggest Jesus proclaimed victory to rebellious spirits, but He did not suffer in Hell, contrary to some teachings. David's words in Acts 2:24-29 echo this theme, as Peter recounts how God raised Jesus, ending death’s agony, fulfilling David’s prophecy that the Holy One would not be abandoned to Hades or undergo decay.

Could Jesus have gone to Hades to announce His victory and release men of faith?

Isaiah 61 foretells Jesus setting captives free, implying His descent to Hades was for those awaiting the Messiah, who accepted His call and were brought to Heaven. Men of faith who died before Christ couldn't enter Heaven without His atoning blood. Their sacrifices covered sin but didn't pay sin’s price.

After descending to Hades, Jesus ascended. On the cross, He assured the thief in Luke 23:42-43 that he would be with him in paradise. Jesus was with the Father in Heaven, alongside the faithful who died believing in Him.

As believers, we may find ourselves in “Silent Saturdays,” too, where God seems absent and our prayers unanswered. We feel tormented, wondering if God is angry or if we have disappointed Him. We see our struggles and question why He doesn't intervene.

However, we must remember that God's silence does not equal His absence. Just because we don't see it doesn't mean He isn't working. Just as Jesus knew God would not leave Him in the grave, we need to know that God will not leave us alone in our struggles. These “Saturdays” have a purpose: they allow us to experience the full force of God's strength and appreciate His intervention.

Though our waiting may feel like anguish, we have the opportunity to rest in the Father's security. In our suffering, we can experience a closeness to God that brings comfort, peace, and even joy. We can find Paradise in our pain because we know that Sunday is coming.

Jesus, with God's authority, declared freedom to souls held captive. The righteous dead, who had waited for redemption, saw their Savior. The chains of death started to break, as the Light of the World shone in the darkness.

This wasn't just a visit; it was a victory. He took the keys of death and Hades. Back in the tomb, His body remained, showing His full acceptance of humanity's fate. Yet, it was ready for glory. His descent into Hades ended sin's power, bridging the cross and the empty tomb. As Saturday ended, the world rested, unaware that the King had stormed death's gates, preparing for life to reign again. There, He faced the powers of darkness. Hades’ gates shook at His presence. Satan, who thought he'd won at the cross, now faced the One whose death was an act of love.

For these reasons, God allows a Saturday between our Fridays and Sundays. If today is a Saturday for you, take a moment to appreciate the wondrous, unseen events unfolding around you and the victory in Christ that awaits you on a future and glorious Sunday yet to come.

** Hedieh Mirahmadi was a devout Muslim for two decades working in the field of national security before she experienced the redemptive power of Jesus Christ.  She dedicates herself full-time to Resurrect Ministry, an online resource that harnesses the power of the Internet to make salvation through Christ available to people of all nations, and her podcast LivingFearlessDevotional.com. She is the author of the International Bestselling book"Living Fearless in Christ-Why I left Islam to Win Battles for the Kingdom."

A new study by the Edelman Trust Barometer, released in Lagos on Wednesday, reveals widespread discontent among Nigerians, with 70% accusing the government of deliberately misleading citizens. The report also highlights growing resentment toward the wealthy, with 74% blaming the rich for exacerbating the country’s economic struggles.

The annual survey, which measures public trust in government, businesses, NGOs, and media, found that 62% of Nigerians believe the wealthy evade fair taxation, while 52% now support aggressive activism to drive systemic change.

A Crisis of Trust and Grievance

Marking its 25th anniversary, the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer—titled “Trust and the Crisis of Grievance”—surveyed over 33,000 people across 28 countries, including 1,150 Nigerians. Wandile Cindi, Senior Strategist at Edelman Africa, presented the findings, noting that Nigeria’s overall trust index rose slightly from 61 (2024) to 65 (2025). However, economic anxiety and job insecurity continue to fuel public frustration.

“There’s been a sharp increase in fears over automation and job losses,” Cindi said. “Even employers, once highly trusted, are losing public confidence.”

Government institutions remain the least trusted, scoring -46 in competence and -31 in ethics. Meanwhile, NGOs and businesses saw marginal trust improvements.

Global Trends vs. Nigerian Optimism

Globally, China, Indonesia, and the UAE top the trust rankings, while the UK, Germany, and Japan lag. Despite Nigeria’s challenges, 50% of citizens remain hopeful about the future—a higher optimism rate than many developed nations.

Yet, concerns over discrimination have surged, with 75% of Nigerians fearing prejudice—a 9% increase from 2024. This sentiment cuts across income levels, particularly affecting high earners.

A Call for Leadership and Reform

Cindi emphasized that restoring trust requires tangible action. “Institutions must act ethically and deliver results,” he said. “Businesses have a critical role in job creation, skills training, and fighting misinformation.”

He urged cross-sector collaboration, warning: “Grievance grows when people feel abandoned. Rebuilding trust must be a national priority.”

As Nigeria grapples with economic hardship and inequality, the report underscores an urgent need for accountability and reform to address deepening public disillusionment.

Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has lost its appeal in a London court, cementing a $380 million compensation ruling in favor of oil trading firm Taleveras over a failed gas supply agreement.

The Court of Appeal of England and Wales on Wednesday affirmed the decision of a lower court, which had ruled that NLNG must indemnify Taleveras for payments the company was required to make to Vitol SA and Glencore Energy UK following a disrupted supply contract.

The case centered around a 2020 agreement in which NLNG—a joint venture between Nigeria’s state oil firm NNPC, Eni, Shell, and TotalEnergies—was to supply Taleveras with natural gas. However, between 2020 and 2021, NLNG failed to deliver 19 cargoes, leading Taleveras, which had already resold the gas to Vitol and Glencore, to miss out on significant profits—especially after gas prices surged following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

An arbitral tribunal under the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law awarded $24 million to Taleveras in January 2023 for lost profits and directed NLNG to indemnify the company for liabilities arising from related arbitrations with Vitol and Glencore. In December 2023, the Vitol arbitration tribunal awarded $233.3 million in damages against Taleveras.

NLNG challenged the indemnity directive in January 2024, arguing that the tribunal’s decision was dependent on a provision—paragraph 607—in the analysis section of the original arbitral award. The company maintained that the indemnity was subject to endorsement by the Vitol and Glencore arbitral tribunals, which it said was not granted in the dispositive section of the award.

Taleveras countered that the indemnity was unconditional and pointed to a final addendum and supplementary award issued by the Vitol tribunal, which explicitly confirmed that the damages awarded fell under the scope of NLNG’s indemnity.

NLNG further contended that the Vitol arbitrators had no jurisdiction to issue the addendum, arguing that the arbitration proceedings had already concluded.

In July 2024, High Court Judge Pelling KC ruled against NLNG, finding that the indemnity was not contingent on any further declaration from the Vitol or Glencore tribunals. He granted Taleveras the right to enforce the indemnity.

On appeal, the Court of Appeal upheld the High Court’s decision. Lord Justice Phillips, leading a three-judge panel, dismissed NLNG’s claim that the High Court had misinterpreted the arbitral award. He clarified that the disputed paragraph 607 did not contradict the dispositive section, which clearly set out binding orders.

“It is perhaps unfortunate that the tribunal used the words ‘further orders’ in paragraph 607 of its analysis section, but that loose wording does not come close… to undermining the clear structure of the Award,” Phillips said.

The appeal was unanimously dismissed, leaving NLNG legally obligated to pay the full compensation to Taleveras.

Taleveras, founded in 2004 by Nigerian businessman Igho Charles Sanomi, is based in Dubai and has long been active in global energy trading.

Hamas says it is ready to release all remaining hostages for an end to Gaza war

Hamas wants a comprehensive deal to end the war in Gaza and swap all Israeli hostages for Palestinians jailed in Israel, a senior official from the Palestinian militant group said, rejecting Israel's offer of an interim truce.

In a televised speech, Khalil Al-Hayya, the group's Gaza chief who leads its negotiating team, said the group would no longer agree to interim deals, adopting a position that Israel is unlikely to accept and potentially further delaying an end to the devastating attacks that restarted in recent weeks.

Instead, Hayya said Hamas was ready to immediately engage in "comprehensive package negotiations" to release all remaining hostages in its custody in return for an end to the Gaza war, the release of Palestinians jailed by Israel, and the reconstruction of Gaza.

"Netanyahu and his government use partial agreements as a cover for their political agenda, which is based on continuing the war of extermination and starvation, even if the price is sacrificing all his prisoners (hostages)," said Hayya, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"We will not be part of passing this policy."

Egyptian mediators have been working to revive the January ceasefire agreement that halted fighting in Gaza before it broke down last month, but there has been little sign of progress with both Israel and Hamas blaming each other.

"Hamas’s comments demonstrate they are not interested in peace but perpetual violence. The terms made by the Trump Administration have not changed: release the hostages or face hell," said National Security Council spokesperson James Hewitt.

The latest round of talks on Monday in Cairo to restore the ceasefire and free Israeli hostages ended with no apparent breakthrough, Palestinian and Egyptian sources said.

Israel had proposed a 45-day truce in Gaza to allow hostage releases and potentially begin indirect talks to end the war. Hamas has already rejected one of its conditions - that it lay down its arms. In his speech, Hayya accused Israel of offering a counterproposal with "impossible conditions."

Hamas released 38 hostages under a ceasefire that began on January 19. In March, Israel's military resumed its ground and aerial offensive on Gaza, abandoning the ceasefire after Hamas rejected proposals to extend the truce without ending the war.

Israeli officials say that the offensive will continue until the remaining 59 hostages are freed and Gaza is demilitarized. Hamas insists it will free hostages only as part of a deal to end the war and has rejected demands to lay down its arms.

ISRAELI STRIKES

On Tuesday, the armed wing of Hamas armed said the group had lost contact with militants holding Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander after the Israeli army attacked their hideout. Alexander is a New Jersey native and a 21-year-old soldier in the Israeli army.

The armed wing later released a video warning hostages' families that their "children will return in black coffins with their bodies torn apart from shrapnel from your army."

Israeli military strikes killed at least 32 Palestinians, including women and children, across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, local health authorities said.

One of those strikes killed six people and wounded several others at a UN-run school in Jabalia in northern Gaza Strip. The Israeli military said the strike targeted a Hamas command center.

The war was triggered by Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.

Since then, more than 51,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive, according to local health authorities.

Reuters

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Zelenskiy accuses China of supplying Russia with weapons

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday China was supplying weapons and gunpowder to Russia, the first time he has openly accused Beijing of direct military assistance for Moscow.

The Ukrainian leader said at a press conference that his government also had intelligence that China was producing weapons on Russian territory and that he would be able to provide more details next week.

China, which has the world's second-largest economy, has had close economic relations with Russia during Moscow's three-year war in Ukraine. But it has sought to project an image of neutrality and denies any involvement in the war.

For Kyiv, direct Chinese supplies of weaponry for Russia would mark a major departure from that position.

"We finally have information that China is supplying weapons to the Russian Federation," Zelenskiy said in Kyiv, referring specifically to "artillery," without specifying if he meant shells, artillery systems or both.

"We believe that Chinese representatives are engaged in the production of some weapons on the territory of Russia," Zelenskiy said, without elaborating.

There was no immediate public comment from China and Reuters was not immediately able to seek comment from officials in China, as Zelenskiy's remarks were made during the late evening in Beijing.

In comments last week about the war, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said: "I would like to reiterate that China is not the initiator of the Ukrainian crisis, nor is China a participating party. We are a firm supporter and active promoter of a peaceful settlement of the crisis."

Zelenskiy's allegation comes as President Donald Trump is pressing for peace, having upended previous U.S. policy by directly engaging with Russia and at one point cutting military aid to Ukraine.

The Ukrainian leader said he had spoken to Chinese President Xi Jinping during the war and asked him directly about the possibility of Beijing supplying arms to Russia.

"He gave me his word that weapons would not be sold and sent to Russia," he said.

STRAINED TIES

Russia has benefited from military aid from Iran and North Korea. Tehran has supplied long-range drones used to attack far from the front, while Pyongyang has supplied vast amounts of artillery shells, missiles and troops, Ukrainian officials say.

The fighting in Ukraine has long developed into a war of attrition in which both sides try to out-gun and out-kill each other by bringing greater numbers of troops and weapons to bear, making foreign military supplies vital.

Ties between China and Ukraine are already strained after Zelenskiy made public this month its capture of two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia.

He said last week that Ukraine had information about 155 Chinese citizens fighting for the Russian military against Kyiv's forces.

Zelenskiy said at that time that Russia was recruiting Chinese nationals via social media and that Beijing officials were aware of that. He added that Ukraine was trying to assess whether the recruits were receiving instructions from Beijing.

A week ago, China reaffirmed its support for peace efforts in Ukraine and said relevant parties should avoid "irresponsible remarks," in an apparent jab at Zelenskiy's comment about Chinese citizens fighting there for Russia.

Two U.S. officials familiar with American intelligence and a former Western intelligence official told Reuters last week they believed the Chinese citizens were mercenaries who did not appear to have a direct link to China's government.

China and Russia declared a "no limits" strategic partnership days before Russian President Vladimir Putin sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022.

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

Russia threatens response if Ukraine uses German Taurus missiles

Moscow would consider any strikes by Kiev on Russian targets using German-supplied Taurus missiles as direct participation by Berlin in the Ukraine conflict, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has warned.

Her comments come after incoming German chancellor Friedrich Merz indicated that he would be open to supplying Kiev with long-range Taurus cruise missiles. The weapon has a 500km strike range, meaning they could be used to attack targets deep inside Russian territory.

Germany’s current acting chancellor Olaf Scholz has repeatedly refused Kiev’s requests for the missiles, citing fears of an escalation of the conflict.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Zakharova said that even if the missiles would be transferred to Ukraine, they would still be controlled by Germany, meaning that Berlin would be directly participating in the conflict.

”Since live firing these cruise missiles is impossible without the direct assistance of Bundeswehr servicemen, a strike on any Russian facilities, critical transport infrastructure... all this will be regarded as direct German participation in military operations,” Zakharova said.

Earlier this week, in an interview with German media, Merz stated that he could supply Taurus missiles to Kiev and avoid direct intervention in the conflict itself. Ukraine’s forces should use the missiles to destroy the most “important land connection between Russia and Crimea,” Merz suggested, apparently referring to the Crimean Bridge.

In response, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev branded the incoming chancellor a Nazi trying to follow in the footsteps of his father who had served in Hitler’s Wehrmacht. “Think twice, Nazi,” Medvedev wrote on X.

Russia’s ambassador to Germany, Sergey Nechaev, has also warned that while the delivery of Taurus missiles to Ukraine would not alter the battlefield situation, they could lead to an escalation of the conflict and provoke Moscow to take retaliatory measures.

Throughout the Ukraine conflict, Moscow has repeatedly condemned Western military aid shipments to Ukraine, claimed that they only lead to more bloodshed, and hinder any peace process.

Reuters/RT

It’s understandable if you have not paid attention. I can’t help noticing because minding other people’s business is a part of my job description. On Tuesday, the newspapers reported a spat between the children of two leading politicians, Mohammed Abubakar and Shamsudeen Bala Mohammed.

Mohammed and Shamsudeen are the children of Atiku and Bala. Atiku was Nigeria’s vice president, and Bala is the Bauchi State governor and chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum.

Both are ranking members of the main opposition, PDP, a party making as much effort to find its way as it is desperate to lose it. The tweetstorm between the children of these leaders has only piled on the party’s misery, and what lies ahead doesn’t look pretty, especially after the PDP governors’ meeting in Ibadan.

Back story

The fight between both sons is the political equivalent in the music industry of the bitter sibling rivalry between Peter and Jude Okoye, siblings now dragging themselves publicly over royalty from their once famous band, P-Square. If PDP had any royalty left, it squandered it on the insatiable appetite of its leaders, who have eaten the present and future of the party.

Atiku’s son is accusing Governor Mohammed of stabbing his father in the back when he ran for the presidency in 2023. The governor’s son responded that nobody plays as dirty as Atiku, whom he accused of undermining his father’s bid for a second term in Bauchi.

The tweet rage has sparked discussions about how far the children of politicians in power should go to fight publicly for or against their parents’ political interests and whether or not such brawls hinder or help their parents’ political fortunes.

In another life, it would have been considered poor breeding for teenagers or young adults to insert themselves in a fight between adults.

For example, despite the fight-to-the-finish between MKO Abiola and military president General Ibrahim Babangida, who cancelled the 1993 presidential election won by Abiola, their children stayed mainly out of the fray. The equivalence of social media has changed all that.

Born to rage

The pervasiveness of social media and its popularity, especially among teenagers and young adults, has increased the sense of agency among these groups and amplified their voices, however strident and deeply worrying they may get sometimes.

From the blogger and daughter of the famous Ibadan politician Kemi Olunloyo, who recently declared on her blog that she would have nothing to do with her family again after her father died, to Bashir, an unabashedly vile tweep and the son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, there is an emerging activism among the children of politicians. It’s a cross between rebellion and the search for identity or the process of becoming.

The more you look

Does it make sense? Is it always an indication of parental values or a measure of the family’s stand on political issues? Neither Atiku Abubakar nor Bala Mohammed has weighed in yet. Even though their children’s public fight feels like a scene from “Sons of the Caliphate”, nothing they said was false. Perhaps, it was how and the speed of the venom that raised eyebrows.

Before the 2023 elections, when Atiku’s protégé and prominent traditional title holder in Bauchi, Bello Kirfi, fell out with Bala, the latter (with former Speaker Yakubu Dogara) openly worked against Bala’s reelection. During the presidential primaries in Port Harcourt, Bala ran against Atiku.

The proxy war between Atiku’s man, Kirfi, and Bala almost cost the governor his reelection, an offence the governor will not forgive. He was saved by the skin of his teeth and the support of former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and the G5, after which Mohammed stripped Kirfi of his traditional title.

Rise of social media

Older adults who are used to nuanced, conservative methods of airing their grievances may be embarrassed, even offended, by the tweet brawl between Mohammed and Shamsudeen. Still, in the last two decades, we have seen that social media, the playground for teenagers and young adults, has also become a legitimate sphere of politics – and in the current Trumpoverse, it’s even a tool of diplomacy, thanks to US President Donald Trump.

But should blog posts, often typically lacking in depth and context, become the measure of what is truly important and enduring? Do they represent more than what they are – random outbursts of fleeting thoughts from entitled or angry tribes? Or do they teach us something we need to pay attention to?

Price of feuds

Some years ago, Bobby Goodlatte took a stand on Twitter against his father, Bob, a Republican, whom he accused of “political grandstanding” that led to the sacking of an FBI agent Bobby described as “a patriot.” For that reason, he sided with a Democrat running against his father and used social media to mobilise votes for him.

We don’t even need to go far. In 2017, Moremi, daughter of Babafemi Ojudu, the former Special Adviser (PoliticalMatters) to President Muhammadu Buhari, attacked the government, her father’s employer. Although she later apologised to her father, her action raised questions about who she was speaking for. Yet everyone knows it’s a generation that wears its emotions on its sleeve.

Who pays?

Seyi, son of President Bola Tinubu, who uses the handle @STinubu, last tweeted in May 2023. But his activities offline, which invariably become rich social media harvests, have generated no less interest than that of the more social-media active children of other politicians. Do these children's actions, especially online, carry any significant political risk for their parents?

The answer is, sometimes. A 2020 media psychology study said, “When people believe they are not alone in their cause, it encourages them to take action. For the children of well-known or newsworthy parents in the contentious political arena, their actions also become newsworthy by virtue of proximity to their parents and the unceasing demand for news content that will attract audience attention.”

The potential impact of such feuds could range from damage to political image to loss of credibility arising from a perception of lack of parental authority and a house divided against itself.

High-profile family disputes or squabbles amongst the children of political heavyweights can amplify the controversy and undermine the politician’s agenda. An example is the spectacular case of Bukola and Gbemisola in the Saraki dynasty. In cases where such children are viewed as potential successors, it could haunt them and fracture support.

“Sins” of the children

Even when children are old enough to answer their own names, in largely conservative societies, the “sins” of the children may weigh heavily on how their parents are perceived.

The tweet by Bashir El-Rufai, for example, that the killings in Southern Kaduna would continue until the attacks on Fulani herdsmen ceased was considered inflammatory and insensitive. It was also deemed a reflection of his father’s politics as governor for eight years.

Seyi Tinubu’s offline comment that his father is the greatest president in Nigeria’s history raised a firestorm on social media. Whatever the cost of his comment, he is unlikely to be deterred, and his actions will continue to enrich social media content in the days ahead.

As we move closer to 2027, the actions of the children of newsworthy politicians will be a valuable lens by which we try to view and understand the political space. We’ll wait to see how much this currency will shape the future.

** Ishiekwene is Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the book Writing for Media and Monetising It.

While white rice is still the most popular among consumers, brown rice is often praised for its nutritional benefits.

A new study, however, raises concerns about brown rice containing a higher level of arsenic than white rice.

The study was led by Michigan State University and published in the journal Risk Analysis.

Rice traditionally has its inedible outer hull removed. Brown rice gets its color from the bran and germ layer of rice, according to Healthline.

White rice is the same grain with the hull, bran layer and cereal germ removed — leaving only the soft, white interior.

The bran layer and cereal germ are what make brown rice nutritionally superior to white rice, because these layers are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals.

What the study shows

Researchers conducted an extensive literature review on the nutritional aspects of brown and white rice, focusing on the level of arsenic exposure for each.

They drew from the "What We Eat in America" database — from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Joint Institute of Food Science and Applied Nutrition — to determine how much rice the average American consumes, according to a news release.

Researchers found the rice bran that comprises the tan layer of brown rice has a much higher concentration of inorganic arsenic than the white part of the rice.

"Rice bran and brown rice are shown to have a higher arsenic content and inorganic arsenic concentration than the grain endosperm of white rice," researchers wrote in the study.

Their analysis revealed that with rice grown in the U.S., the proportion of the more toxic, inorganic arsenic in brown rice was 48%, compared to 33% in white rice.

Sherry Coleman Collins, a food allergy dietitian and expert from the Atlanta metropolitan area, was not involved in the study but said it highlights the importance of eating a diverse diet. 

"We know that arsenic and other naturally occurring toxins and man-contributed pollutants are in the soil and that these can and do make their way into our food supply," she told Fox News Digital in an interview. 

"For this reason, eating a variety of foods — with adequate amounts of macronutrients, vitamins, minerals and fiber — is essential to reducing exposure to potentially harmful substances." 

Why it matters

"This research is important because it acknowledges the importance of considering food safety along with nutrition when consumers make choices about food," said senior study author Felicia Wu, John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor and University Distinguished Professor at MSU's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, in the press release.

There are several forms of arsenic in rice, both organic and inorganic. Inorganic arsenic is a known human carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancer, researchers noted.

Arsenic is a natural component of the earth’s crust, according to the World Health Organization, and is widely distributed throughout the environment in the air, water and land.

"It is highly toxic in its inorganic form," the site says.

Rice, which is very porous, can absorb a lot of inorganic arsenic from the flooded fields in which it grows, dietitian Devon Wagner wrote on Ohio State University's Health & Discovery page.

"Rice can soak up more arsenic than any other food crop," Wagner stated.

When the brown rice soaks up this inorganic arsenic, it becomes highly concentrated in that tan layer — which means that those consuming it may have higher exposure to the carcinogen.

Who is most affected?

Children under age 5 consume the most rice per unit of body weight, according to the study. 

Children ages 6 to 24 months consume a higher level of brown rice, which could lead to a heightened exposure to arsenic, per the study.

"These elevated consumptive levels are additionally concerning, because rice consumption statistics often underestimate consumption by the very young," the researchers warned.

The daily intake of inorganic arsenic among young children even exceeds previously considered safe levels, according to this research.

Adults don't face this same high risk, researchers said, as they are not as affected by the differences in arsenic exposure, especially those who are ages 60 and over.

Collins confirmed that children are at higher risk, as their smaller size makes it more likely that the small amounts of arsenic would be acutely dangerous. 

"There are a lot of infant and toddler foods that include brown rice, including cereals, puffs and puréed vegetables that are mixed with brown rice," she told Fox News Digital. 

"Theoretically and based on this data, those foods may expose babies and young children to higher levels of arsenic — however, the FDA does have guidance for manufacturers requiring them to maintain inorganic arsenic at or below 100 μg/kg or 100 ppb." 

Diversifying the diet of babies and people of all ages can be protective, she added.

What to do about it

"The concentrated amount of inorganic arsenic found within the rice bran in analysis challenges a common narrative of rice bran as a health product'superfood' because of its increased nutrients and high fiber," the researchers stated.

The findings, however, should not be regarded as evidence that brown rice is unhealthy — nor should people stop consuming it, according to Wu.

The study emphasized the importance of considering food safety concerns while balancing the nutritional benefits.

Those wondering whether to change their rice consumption should consult a health professional to understand the costs and benefits of switching.

"We concluded with a discussion of the need for more research into the potential trade-offs and relative arsenic exposure risks associated with brown versus white rice," the researchers concluded.

Collins agreed that people should continue to eat brown rice for the health benefits — including fiber, magnesium and B vitamins — but should also eat quinoa, farro, buckwheat, barley and other grains. 

"White rice is not a bad choice either, and it has lower levels of arsenic," she noted. "I tend to encourage people to choose whole grains (white rice has had the bran and germ removed, meaning it has less fiber and lower levels of vitamins and minerals), but it's completely OK to also enjoy white rice."

Fox News Digital reached out to several rice manufacturers requesting comment.

Fox News

No fewer than 144 persons have been killed by herdsmen in the two north central states of Plateau and Benue states in the last two weeks, as the blood-letting continued late Tuesday, with the killing of at least 13 persons, while scores of others sustained injuries, with over 50 houses razed.

Recall that within the period, 104 persons, comprising 52 in Bassa local government area and another 52 in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State, were killed by the marauding herdsmen, while at least 40 were also killed in Benue State.

In Benue, three persons were killed on April 3 when a Benue Links bus was ambushed at Ikobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area, LGA, while on April 10, two farmers were murdered by the marauders in Gwer West LGA.

Same day, three persons were killed at Mbasombo community also in Gwer East LGA, while the latest attack on Otobi Akpa in Otukpo LGA and the boundary with Nasarawa State claimed the lives of at least 13 persons, with several others declared missing.

Aside from the killings in the north central states, Boko Haram insurgents also on Tuesday, attacked Adamawa communities in Hong local government area, killing seven persons, while scores of others are still missing.

The latest killings in Benue on Tuesday evening, came as Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State yesterday announced prohibition of night grazing, transportation of cattle by vehicles after 7:00 pm, and restriction of the use of motorcycles from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am across the state until further notice, as part of measures to ward off the marauding herdsmen.

The attack on Otobi Akpa community started at about 6:00pm from the popular Otobi junction when over 20 armed herdsmen in a commando style, shot sporadically at anybody they sighted.
They also set ablaze no fewer than 50 houses.

Unfortunately most the of the vigilantes who could have stopped them from entering the main town to perpetrate their mission, had moved to Adim village of Akpa to attend a burial.

The terrifying sounds of gunshots created palpable fear as many took to their heels, while others who were curious to know what was happening ran into the herdsmen who opened fire on them, killing at least 13 persons in the process, while many escaped with gunshot wounds.

Some other victims were butchered with cutlasses, with their brains scattered around the scenes they were killed.
Investigation revealed that the killer herdsmen invaded Otobi Akpa and other Akpa communities to resist the law against open grazing which stopped them from grazing their cattle in the area.

One of the elders of the community, Adikwu Ogbe, who lamented the attack, recalled that Otobi Akpa community was one of the most peaceful communities in Idoma land, noting that in the past, the community had lived peacefully with Fulani herders until recently when they (herders) started bearing sophisticated arms and threatening the locals.

Recall that about three weeks ago, a security guard with Otukpo dam was shot and dismembered by herdsmen who enter Otobi village and shot sporadically in a night attack.

At the time of filing this report, many residents were seen fleeing the community, while search for those missing was in progress.

There was also no sign of security presence in the affected areas.

Benue State Deputy Governor, Samuel Ode, in company of heavily armed security operatives, yesterday visited the area to sympathise with many of the residents who are currently taking refuge at the Federal Government College, Otobi.

He appealed to them to remain calm, assuring that measures were being put in place to end further attack by the killers herdsmen.

Meanwhile, the community has become a ghost town as virtually everyone has fled the area for fear of another attack.

7 killed, many more missing as Boko Haram insurgents attack Adamawa community

While the herders are running riot in Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa states, Boko Haram insurgents in the early hours of yesterday, launched an attack on Adamawa communities in Hong local government, killing seven persons, while scores of others have been declared missing.

The attack, which is the fourth this year, occurred in the quiet communities of Banga and Larh and some adjoining villages in Hong LGA.

At least seven persons were confirmed dead, including a vigilante, killed by detonated explosives.

The assault also saw a police van shattered by the explosives, though its occupants miraculously escaped unharmed.
The attack in Banga claimed three lives, including two men shot dead by insurgents and a woman who fell and died during the stampede in nearby Larh.

According to locals, the attackers came in their large numbers and started shooting sporadically in all directions in the community .

“In the twinkle of an eye, the entire communities were deserted as people scampered in different directions for their lives,” Ma’am Yakub, an eyewitness told Vanguard.

He said in the ensuring confusion, many people got missing as their whereabouts are unknown.

The attack became more dreadful following the tragic loss of a vigilante in Banga, who was killed when a bomb detonated during efforts to secure the area.

“It’s heartbreaking that we are losing our people to these monsters, and now, even those protecting us are now the targets,’’ said a community leader who requested anonymity.

Local sources noted that the insurgents often plant such devices to deter security operatives from pursuing them, a strategy that had repeatedly disrupted response efforts.

The chairman of Hong local government council, Mr Waang Inuwa, who confirmed the attack, called for more military presence in the communities .

The attack on Banga and Larh underscores the persistent threat posed by Boko Haram in North-Eastern Nigeria, despite claims by authorities that the group had been significantly weakened.

“We feel abandoned. These attacks keep happening, and we’re left to fend for ourselves,” another community leader lamented .

Mutfwang prohibits night grazing, transportation of cattle

To restore calm and strengthen vigilance in Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang yesterday announced the prohibition of night grazing, transportation of cattle by vehicle after 7:00 pm, and the use of motorcycles restricted from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am across the state until further notice.

The governor in a state-wide broadcast, said the security measures were effective from Wednesday, April 16th.
His words: “I speak to you today (yeterday) not only as your governor but as a fellow son of Plateau who shares in your anguish and feels the weight of the pain inflicted upon our people.

“We are once again confronted by sorrow as heart-wrenching attacks have taken the lives of innocent citizens in our communities.

“In the late hours of Sunday, April 13, the calm of Kimakpa area of Kwall District in Bassa LGA was shattered by violent assaults on Zike village. Innocent men, women, and children were murdered in cold blood.

“Homes were torched, properties ravaged, and entire families were left in agony. These attacks occurred, even as we were still mourning the loss of over 50 lives in Bokkos.

“The scale, frequency and intent of these atrocities are unmistakable. Let us be clear: this is not random violence. This is not an isolated conflict between farmers and herders. What we are witnessing is a systematic and premeditated campaign—one that seeks to displace, destabilise, and instill terror and fear in our people and communities.

“The tragic echoes of Dogo Na Hawa, Riyom, Barkin-Ladi, Mangu, and the Christmas Eve massacres in Bokkos remain vivid. The cycle continues, but it must not endure. Enough Is Enough!

‘’As your governor, I stand resolved—Plateau shall not be overrun by fear, nor shall we accept this culture of bloodshed as the new normal. My administration is intensifying efforts to protect our people and enforce the rule of law across all local governments.

“Only days ago, I visited Hurti, Mbar, Manguna, and Daffo to witness, first hand, the devastation left behind by the terrorists. I had earlier stopped at Ruwi, where mourners were brazenly attacked at a wake.

“What I saw moved me profoundly—the suffering of displaced families now crammed into churches and temporary shelters, their lives uprooted overnight.

“But let me reassure you: my government is alive to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property, and we are rising to the occasion more determined than ever.

“For far too long, our beloved state has made the headlines for the wrong reasons, thereby casting a shadow over our immense potential and deterring the inflow of much-needed foreign direct and local investments.

“These investments could have been the catalyst for harnessing our abundant natural resources and lifting our people out of poverty. We cannot afford to let this unfortunate reality persist.

‘’Despite this sorrow, the strength and courage of our people continue to inspire me. I extend heartfelt appreciation to the national and state emergency management agencies for their prompt response in providing emergency aid and comfort to survivors.

“I hereby announce the following measures, effective Wednesday, April 16th, night grazing of cattle is strictly prohibited, and transportation of cattle by vehicle is banned after 7:00 pm. The use of motorcycles is restricted from 7:00pm to 6:00am across the state until further notice.

“We are also activating community-based response systems. I urge traditional leaders and youth associations to reactivate local vigilante groups and organize night patrols in coordination with the security agencies. We must protect our communities while upholding the rule of law.”

The governor furthermore mandated the newly inaugurated Inter-Religious Council to begin immediate engagement with all stakeholders to address the deeper issues surrounding these attacks.

“I shall also be appointing a special envoy on peace to lead grassroots consultations and intelligence coordination as a fact-finding committee, comprising respected independent voices, to investigate the root cause of this resurgence in violence and offer actionable recommendations.

Vanguard