August 2025 | Page 14 of 31

World Leaders Court Unpredictable Trump as White House Talks on Ukraine Begin

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago04 mins

In an unprecedented show of urgency, world leaders including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have gathered at the White House for hastily arranged talks on the war in Ukraine. The meeting, called just days after Donald Trump’s summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, underscores the pivotal role the U.S. president now plays in determining the future of the conflict. A High-Stakes Meeting Diplomatic sources described the gathering as an “organic” next step after Trump’s discussions with Putin. Unlike in Alaska, where Europeans were absent, today they will dominate the room. For Trump, often at ease in the spotlight, the gathering serves as a platform to showcase his influence as a global convener. For the Europeans, it is a critical opportunity to pin down exactly what Trump is willing to guarantee in terms of Ukraine’s security—and what, if anything, he may have already discussed with Putin on land or territorial control swaps. Lessons From February The urgency is shaped by the memory of a disastrous Oval Office meeting in February, when Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly berated President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a tense exchange that rattled European capitals. Since then, leaders across Europe have recalibrated—boosting their own defense spending and pursuing personal ties with Trump. Whether through Starmer’s state visit, Finland’s Alexander Stubb joining Trump on the golf course, or Italy’s Giorgia Meloni aligning her rhetoric with his, each leader has sought to stay on Trump’s good side for precisely this kind of moment. What’s at Stake European leaders are expected to flatter Trump while issuing subtle warnings. They will frame him as the architect of a potential peace deal—an achievement that could cement his legacy—while stressing the need for continued U.S. commitment to Europe and resistance against Russian demands. Central to the talks will be whether Trump is prepared to offer Ukraine binding security guarantees and whether Putin might accept a U.S.-European pact short of NATO membership. Yet ambiguity looms large: vague agreements might yield a quick fix but could prove unsustainable in the long run. Optics and Outcomes Much will hinge not only on the substance of discussions but also on optics. Analysts note Trump often blurs the line between detail and spectacle, with even minor gestures—such as Zelenskyy’s choice of attire—becoming symbolic flashpoints. Beyond the closed doors, the world will watch for signs of whether today’s meeting produces a genuine framework for peace or simply another dramatic episode in an unpredictable diplomatic process.

Ukraine War: Trump Says Zelenskyy Can End War as Russian Strike in Kharkiv Kills Seven

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet Donald Trump at the White House today, with discussions expected to focus on possible ceasefire arrangements and the future of U.S. support for Ukraine. The talks come amid heightened tensions following a deadly overnight Russian missile strike on the eastern city of Kharkiv, which killed at least seven civilians and injured dozens more. Trump’s Remarks Ahead of Talks Speaking to reporters en route to Washington, Trump said he believed Zelenskyy had the ability to “end the war,” though he did not clarify whether he envisioned concessions to Russia as part of a potential settlement. He reiterated his stance that the U.S. would not pursue new business or diplomatic openings with Moscow until the conflict was “settled,” suggesting a possible shift in tone while maintaining pressure on the Kremlin. European Support for Zelenskyy Ahead of the White House meeting, several European leaders pledged continued backing for Ukraine. Officials in Brussels and Berlin emphasized that any negotiations should not compromise Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Zelenskyy is expected to present a renewed appeal for sustained U.S. military and financial aid, particularly as concerns grow over battlefield losses and Russia’s intensified air campaign. Kharkiv Under Fire In the early hours of this morning, Russian forces launched missile strikes on residential districts in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city. Local authorities confirmed seven deaths and said rescue workers were still searching for survivors in the rubble. The strike is the latest in a series of escalations targeting civilian areas, which Kyiv has denounced as acts of terror designed to weaken public morale. What’s Next The outcome of today’s White House talks could prove pivotal. If Trump signals willingness to broker a ceasefire or peace talks, it may open a new phase in the nearly four-year conflict. However, Ukraine’s leadership continues to insist that any agreement must ensure sovereignty and security guarantees, while Russia shows no sign of backing down militarily.

Ref Watch: Dermot Gallagher Reviews Arsenal’s Narrow Win Over Man Utd

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has delivered his verdict on the key talking points from Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, as part of his weekly Ref Watch segment on Sky Sports News. The Saliba–Cunha Penalty Call One of the main controversies came in the second half when Matheus Cunha went down inside the box under pressure from William Saliba. Referee Michael Oliver waved play on, and VAR did not intervene. Arsenal’s Winning Goal: Foul on Bayındır? Arsenal’s new signing Riccardo Calafiori netted the decisive goal, but questions were raised about whether United goalkeeper Altay Bayındır had been impeded in the buildup. Other Talking Points Gallagher also ran through other refereeing controversies from the Premier League’s opening weekend, reminding viewers that many marginal calls—like Cunha’s penalty shout—are left to on-field referees, with VAR reluctant to step in unless a “clear and obvious” error is made. Ref Watch airs every Monday at 9am on Sky Sports News, with Gallagher and guest pundits reviewing the weekend’s biggest refereeing calls.

Cunha, Mbeumo Offer Hope Despite Man Utd Defeat to Arsenal

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

Manchester United may have lost 1-0 to Arsenal at Old Trafford, but there were signs of promise for manager Ruben Amorim as his side showed attacking intent and energy throughout the encounter. Unlike some of last season’s flat displays, United played with pace and purpose, troubling the Gunners with sharp bursts in attack. New arrivals Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo stood out, maintaining the form that made them Premier League threats last season. Cunha, in particular, proved a handful, ranking top for dribbles (6) and duels contested (20). Mbeumo also impressed, offering direct running and movement despite being closely marked for much of the game. Amorim finally appears to have players in central areas who can inject chaos and unpredictability into United’s forward play. While the Red Devils failed to find the net, an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.59 showed they were good value for at least a goal. For United fans, the result was disappointing, but the performance suggested that Old Trafford could become a far more difficult ground for visiting teams this season.

Federal Retirees to Get N32,000 Monthly Increase Under CPS

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

Retired federal employees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) are set to enjoy a significant relief, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a ₦758 billion bond to offset outstanding pension liabilities and implement long-delayed increments. Under the new arrangement, retirees will receive an additional ₦32,000 monthly pension, ensuring compliance with the National Minimum Wage Amendment Act 2024 and its consequential adjustments. The increment applies across key sectors—including education, health, security, and the Armed Forces—irrespective of individual retirement savings. According to the directive issued on August 6, President Tinubu ordered the “prompt implementation of long-overdue pension increases and a minimum pension guarantee” to provide a safety net for vulnerable retirees. The National Pension Commission (PenCom) confirmed that, once the National Assembly concurs, proceeds from the bond will be released to settle beneficiaries. PenCom’s Director-General, Omolola Oloworaran, explained that the ₦758 billion allocation would be shared across three categories: ₦253 billion for accrued rights of workers employed before the CPS began in 2004 or near retirement at the time; ₦387.5 billion to clear pension arrears dating back to 2007; and ₦107 billion for the Pension Protection Fund, designed to boost pensions for low-income earners. She described the intervention as a “long-overdue step” to restore confidence in the CPS and address nearly two decades of unpaid pension adjustments. The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) had previously confirmed that the adjustment would translate to an extra ₦32,000 monthly for retirees, bringing relief to thousands of pensioners struggling under the weight of inflation and rising living costs.

Troops Recover Weapons Cache in Mafa Border Operation

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have recovered a cache of weapons during an intelligence-led clearance operation along the Mafa border corridor in Borno State. According to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), the operation was a follow-up to an earlier clash with terrorists on 7 August, in which one insurgent was neutralised. Acting on actionable intelligence, troops conducted a search of suspected terrorist hideouts in the area, leading to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles and five magazines. Military sources confirmed that the weapons were likely concealed by fleeing terrorists after sustaining losses in recent engagements. In a statement, the DHQ commended the gallant troops for their vigilance and resilience, stressing that the recovery underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations in the fight against insurgency. “The troops are encouraged to maintain the momentum and continue to deny terrorists the freedom of action across the North-East theatre of operations,” the military high command said. The operation in Mafa is the latest in a series of intensified counter-insurgency efforts aimed at dismantling terrorist logistics and weapons supply chains along Nigeria’s volatile border communities.

Nigeria, Brazil Set to Sign Bilateral Air Service Agreement for Direct Flights

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

Nigeria is preparing to sign a historic Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with Brazil, a move expected to unlock direct flights between the two nations. The agreement, which has completed all statutory processes including Federal Executive Council approval, is set to be executed during President Bola Tinubu’s upcoming state visit to Brasilia at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The agreement paves the way for four to five weekly direct flights, likely to be operated by Nigerian carriers such as Air Peace and Caverton. Officials say the move will cut travel time, lower logistics costs, and expand trade corridors for agricultural products, manufactured goods, and services. Beyond commerce, the BASA is also expected to deepen cultural exchanges, especially given Brazil’s strong Yoruba heritage, which ties back centuries to Nigeria. The journey toward this milestone began in May 2025 when Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development led a delegation to Brazil for bilateral talks. Those discussions established a technical working group that worked swiftly to harmonize the agreement, ensuring that bureaucratic bottlenecks did not delay progress. In addition to direct flights, both countries are exploring broader cooperation in aviation, including pilot training and airport infrastructure upgrades. Officials describe the partnership as more than an air agreement, but a bridge of opportunity—one that connects Africa and South America through trade, tourism, and shared cultural heritage.

Vote Buying Allegedly Mars Onitsha North 1 By-Election

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

The Onitsha North 1 State Constituency by-election in Anambra State has been overshadowed by allegations of widespread vote buying, with the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) accused of openly distributing cash to sway voters. APGA is reportedly backing a candidate to succeed the late lawmaker, Hon. Justice Azuka, while ADC is pushing for his widow, Mrs. Justina Azuka, to take over the seat. Despite being a relatively small election, the contest has drawn significant attention, with Governor Chukwuma Soludo said to be keen on proving his popularity ahead of the November governorship poll, while ADC’s support is boosted by Peter Obi’s influence. In Omagba and Osuma wards, party agents were allegedly seen handing out cash to voters. Reports suggest that APGA offered as much as ₦10,000 per voter, while ADC distributed ₦5,000. Witnesses described the exercise as open and brazen, with agents directly canvassing support at polling areas. Some observers insist the funds fueling the vote buying are being driven by the political heavyweights behind the parties, rather than the candidates themselves. While the election has so far been free of violence, the credibility of the process has come under scrutiny as financial inducement overshadows the ballot.