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Category: World

Zelenskyy’s Top Aide Resigns After Home Search by Anticorruption Investigators

Fola Badmus05 mins

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced the resignation of his powerful chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, amid an escalating corruption investigation that has shaken Kyiv and raised concerns among Western allies. The announcement came on Friday, just hours after Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) searched Yermak’s apartment in connection with an ongoing inquiry. “The Office of the President of Ukraine will be reorganised. The head of the office, Andriy Yermak, has submitted his resignation,” Zelenskyy said in a televised address, adding that consultations on a possible replacement would begin on Saturday. Yermak, a central figure in Ukraine’s wartime diplomacy and the president’s closest adviser, confirmed earlier that investigators had searched his home, saying he was fully cooperating. “There are no obstacles for the investigators. They have been given full access… my lawyers are cooperating with law enforcement,” he wrote on social media. NABU and SAPO said the search was authorised and linked to an active investigation, though the details of the case were not immediately disclosed. Wider corruption probe The search follows a sweeping investigation unveiled earlier this month into an alleged $100m kickback scheme involving Energoatom, Ukraine’s state nuclear power operator. The probe has implicated former senior officials and Tymur Mindich, a past business partner of Zelenskyy. The developments come as Kyiv faces mounting pressure from the administration of US President Donald Trump to accept a revised peace proposal aimed at ending the four-year war with Russia. Ukraine and European allies have expressed concerns that earlier versions of the US plan included concessions favourable to Moscow. Political pressure rising Zelenskyy is also facing domestic criticism, with opposition lawmakers faulting Yermak’s influential role in peace negotiations and calling for greater political transparency. Despite the turmoil, Zelenskyy urged unity:“Russia very much wants Ukraine to make mistakes. There will be no mistakes on our part. Our work continues.” A key but controversial figure Yermak, 54, a former film producer and copyright lawyer, has been widely regarded as the second-most powerful man in Ukraine. Since joining Zelenskyy’s political circle in 2019, he has acted as the president’s gatekeeper and chief strategist, playing a crucial role in shaping diplomacy, security policy and wartime negotiations. His resignation comes at a critical moment, as Ukrainian, US and European officials work to refine a potential peace framework and as Russia intensifies military and political pressure. According to Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Kyiv, Yermak’s departure marks a serious setback:“It couldn’t be more critical for Ukraine. It is negotiating its very survival as a sovereign nation.” The corruption investigation, meanwhile, continues. Authorities say Mindich is suspected of orchestrating the alleged Energoatom scheme, which remains under intensive scrutiny.

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Trump Excludes South Africa From 2026 G20 Summit After Diplomatic Clash

Wale busari05 mins

President Donald Trump has announced that South Africa will be excluded from next year’s G20 summit in Miami, intensifying a diplomatic dispute that began when the US boycotted last week’s first-ever G20 meeting held in Africa. South Africa formally handed over the G20 presidency to the United States on Monday. However, the traditional transfer between heads of state was reduced to a symbolic event at the foreign ministry after President Cyril Ramaphosa declined a last-minute request to hand over the presidency to a US diplomat. Trump cited this refusal as the reason for barring South Africa. “Therefore, at my direction, South Africa will NOT be receiving an invitation to the 2026 G20, which will be hosted in the Great City of Miami, Florida next year,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He added, “South Africa has demonstrated to the world they are not a country worthy of membership anywhere,” and said the US would “stop all payments and subsidies to them, effective immediately.” South Africa, which has long championed multilateralism, vowed it would still attend the Miami summit. Ramaphosa emphasized that the country is a G20 member “in its own name and right” and that its membership is recognized by all other members. The presidency said, “South Africa is a sovereign constitutional democratic country and does not appreciate insults from another country about its worth in participating in global platforms.” The tensions stem partly from Trump’s repeated claims of a “genocide” of white farmers in South Africa, which his administration has cited in criticism of the country. South Africa’s presidency called these claims “misinformation and distortions” and expressed regret that, despite Ramaphosa’s attempts to reset relations, punitive measures continue. The diplomatic spat escalated after Washington revoked the visa of Naledi Pandor, a former South African foreign minister, just hours after Ramaphosa declined the request to hand over the G20 presidency to a US diplomat. During the recent G20 summit, Ramaphosa successfully led the remaining 19 members in signing a joint declaration, despite Trump’s insistence that no collective statement be issued. Experts warn that Trump’s move could have broader economic consequences. Chris Hattingh, executive director of the Johannesburg-based Centre for Risk Analysis, noted, “There is a risk that the US will pressure other countries to weaken their trade, investment, commercial and diplomatic links with South Africa, lest they also be pushed out of the G20.” Despite political tensions, US businesses continue to engage with South Africa. At the recent B20 — the business track of the G20 — representatives from JPMorgan, Visa, and Citi signed a joint statement with South African counterparts to strengthen business ties. Gary Litman, the US business sherpa, said the goal is to ensure political leaders provide an environment where companies can pursue their business objectives. The exclusion underscores the growing friction between the two nations and highlights the delicate balance between diplomacy, politics, and trade ahead of the Miami summit.

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Afghan National Rahmanullah Lakanwal Identified As Suspect In White House Shooting

Wale busari02 mins

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national admitted to the U.S. under a Biden-era program for Afghans who assisted the American military, has been identified as the suspect in a shooting near the White House on November 26. Lakanwal reportedly opened fire on two West Virginia National Guard members just two blocks from the White House before being shot himself. All three men are in critical condition. Jeffrey Carrol, executive assistant chief of the Washington D.C. police, described the incident as an ambush. “The attacker came around the corner and immediately started firing a firearm,” he said. While it has not been officially confirmed who shot Lakanwal, other guardsmen quickly responded to the scene. FBI Director Kash Patel said the attack appeared to be “targeted,” though it remains unclear whether Lakanwal intended to strike additional targets. President Donald Trump condemned the suspect, calling him “an animal” and a “foreigner who entered our country from Afghanistan, a hellhole on earth.” Trump described the shooting as “heinous” and blamed the Biden administration’s Afghan resettlement policy, calling for a review of all Afghans admitted under the program and measures to remove those who do not “add benefit to our country.” President Joe Biden also condemned the attack, stating, “Violence of any kind is unacceptable,” and offered prayers for the injured service members and their families.

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At Least 10 Killed, Dozens Missing as Floods and Landslides Hit Indonesia’s Sumatra

Kamal Yalwa03 mins

Torrential monsoon rains have unleashed destructive floods and landslides across Indonesia’s Sumatra island, killing at least 10 people and leaving dozens more missing, local authorities said on Wednesday. Days of relentless rainfall forced rivers in North Sumatra to overflow, sending mud, rocks, and uprooted trees crashing into villages across six regencies. Rescue teams are struggling to reach isolated communities due to damaged roads, unstable slopes, and ongoing downpours. Officials reported that five bodies and three injured survivors were recovered in the coastal city of Sibolga, the hardest-hit area. Search teams are still looking for four missing residents as damage assessments continue. In neighbouring Central Tapanuli, landslides crushed several homes, killing at least four members of one family and submerging nearly 2,000 houses and public buildings. Further south, floods and falling trees killed one resident in South Tapanuli and injured another. A bridge in Mandailing Natal district was destroyed, cutting off access for nearby communities, while 470 homes were inundated. On Nias island, mud and debris blocked the main road linking several villages. Videos circulating online show torrents of water sweeping over rooftops as families scramble to higher ground. In some areas, flash floods surged so rapidly that streets turned into violent currents carrying tree trunks, household items, and rubble. Sibolga police chief Eddy Inganta said emergency shelters have been set up across the city, urging residents near unstable slopes to evacuate immediately. He warned that persistent rainfall could trigger further landslides. The disaster comes just as Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency ended a 10-day search in Central Java, where earlier storms killed 38 people. Authorities called off operations due to unstable ground and worsening weather, leaving 13 people still missing in Cilacap and Banjarnegara. Indonesia faces frequent floods and landslides during the rainy season from October to March, with millions living in flood-prone lowlands or on steep, unstable hillsides.

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Russia-Ukraine War Live: US Envoy Steve Witkoff Heads to Moscow as Trump Pushes for Rapid Peace Deal

Kamal Yalwa03 mins

At least 19 civilians have been wounded following a series of overnight Russian drone strikes on Ukraine’s southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, authorities said, as heavy fighting continues along the front lines. The attacks came amid intensifying diplomatic activity, with the United States confirming that special envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Moscow for high-level talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of Washington’s push to secure a ceasefire agreement. Ukraine signals openness to US plan The Ukrainian government said it supports the “essence” of a new US-backed proposal aimed at ending the nearly four-year war. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that “progress” is being made, even as negotiations drag on in Geneva and other European capitals. Witkoff’s visit is the most direct engagement yet between Washington and Moscow under the Trump administration’s peace initiative. Russia accuses Europe of undermining peace efforts Russia’s Foreign Ministry claimed that European politicians and media outlets are attempting to undermine US-led efforts to broker a settlement, accusing Western governments of trying to prolong the conflict to weaken Moscow. The EU, UK and other Western partners have publicly expressed concerns about parts of the US plan, warning that any agreement must protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russian air defences repel multiple drone attacks Russia’s Defence Ministry said its air defence units intercepted 33 Ukrainian drones across the Belgorod, Voronezh, Lipetsk, and Bryansk regions on Tuesday night. No casualties were reported. As diplomatic efforts resume and battlefield intensity escalates, the coming days are expected to be pivotal in determining whether the warring parties move closer to a negotiated settlement or brace for another winter of fighting.

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Russia-Ukraine War Live: US, European Officials Meet in Geneva to Discuss Trump’s Peace Plan

Kamal Yalwa02 mins

Officials from the United States, Ukraine, and national security advisers from France, the United Kingdom, and Germany are holding critical talks in Geneva today to review and negotiate Washington’s draft proposal aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war. The high-level meeting comes as the Trump administration continues pushing its controversial peace framework, which has drawn mixed reactions among Western allies and sharp scrutiny in Kyiv. Drone strike hits Moscow region Russia has reported that a major heat and power station in the Moscow region was struck by a Ukrainian drone attack. While authorities have yet to disclose the full extent of the damage, the incident marks another escalation in the cross-border strikes that have intensified in recent months. Several injured in Zaporizhia attack Ukrainian officials say at least five people were injured after Russian forces targeted the southeastern city of Zaporizhia. Rescue teams worked through the night to pull survivors from damaged residential structures. Western leaders: Plan “needs more work” European leaders and other Western allies have acknowledged the US plan as a potential starting point for negotiations, but emphasize that it requires “additional work” before it can be considered a viable basis for ending the conflict. The Geneva talks are expected to continue through the day as diplomats attempt to close widening gaps between Kyiv’s demands, Moscow’s conditions, and Washington’s proposed framework.

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Norris, Piastri Disqualified from Las Vegas GP, Reigniting Fierce F1 Title Battle Formula One championship leader Lando Norris and his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri have been disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix after post-race inspections revealed technical infringements on their cars. According to F1 officials, the skid blocks on both McLaren cars were found to be below the minimum permitted depth, resulting in the team losing Norris’s second-place finish and Piastri’s fourth-place result. Before the disqualification, Norris had crossed the line behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who is pushing to close the points gap in the closing stages of the championship. Title race reshaped With the penalties applied, Norris now holds a 24-point lead over both Piastri and Verstappen heading into next weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix, which also features a sprint race. A total of 58 points remain up for grabs across the final two rounds of the 2025 season. This means Norris could mathematically seal the championship in Qatar if he outscores both Verstappen and Piastri by at least two points over the weekend. The shock disqualification has reignited a title battle that appeared to be narrowing—and sets up a dramatic showdown as F1 heads into its penultimate race.

Kamal Yalwa02 mins

Formula One championship leader Lando Norris and his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri have been disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix after post-race inspections revealed technical infringements on their cars. According to F1 officials, the skid blocks on both McLaren cars were found to be below the minimum permitted depth, resulting in the team losing Norris’s second-place finish and Piastri’s fourth-place result. Before the disqualification, Norris had crossed the line behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who is pushing to close the points gap in the closing stages of the championship. Title race reshaped With the penalties applied, Norris now holds a 24-point lead over both Piastri and Verstappen heading into next weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix, which also features a sprint race. A total of 58 points remain up for grabs across the final two rounds of the 2025 season. This means Norris could mathematically seal the championship in Qatar if he outscores both Verstappen and Piastri by at least two points over the weekend. The shock disqualification has reignited a title battle that appeared to be narrowing—and sets up a dramatic showdown as F1 heads into its penultimate race.

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Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Faces ‘Difficult Choice’ as Trump Pushes for Rapid End to War

Kamal Yalwa07 mins

Kyiv weighs US plan seen as endorsing key Russian demands; European allies express concerns. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Kyiv is approaching a defining moment in its war with Russia as it considers a United States peace proposal that critics say aligns closely with Moscow’s demands. Speaking on Friday in the street outside his presidential office, Zelenskyy urged national unity and insisted he would not betray Ukraine’s core values. “Now is one of the most difficult moments of our history,” he said. “Ukraine can face a very difficult choice — either losing dignity or risk losing a major partner. I will fight 24/7 to ensure that at least two points are not overlooked: the dignity and freedom of Ukrainians.” Trump Sets Deadline for Acceptance The statement comes as US President Donald Trump appears to be tightening pressure on Kyiv to accept his 28-point proposal to end the nearly four-year war. Trump told Fox News Radio on Friday that next Thursday was “an appropriate” deadline for Ukraine to accept the deal. Reuters, citing two people familiar with the matter, reported that the Trump administration has threatened to cut off intelligence support and weapons supplies if Kyiv refuses. According to multiple media reports, the US plan includes terms long demanded by Russia, such as: Ukraine ceding more territory Limits on the size of Ukraine’s military A ban on Ukrainian membership in NATO Lifting Western sanctions on Moscow Reintegration of Russia into the G8 Putin Calls Proposal ‘A New Version’ of Earlier Plans Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow had received the “modernised” US plan, calling it “a new version” of what was discussed earlier this year before the Alaska summit. He added that the text had not been negotiated directly with Russia, “and I can guess why,” noting that Washington has not yet secured Kyiv’s approval. “Ukraine is against it,” Putin said. “Apparently, Ukraine and its European allies are still under illusions of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia on the battlefield.” Battlefield Pressures Intensify Ukraine is facing growing military challenges as Russian forces continue to make gains. At least 31 people were killed and 94 wounded in a Russian missile strike on an apartment block in the western city of Ternopil earlier this week. The Kremlin claimed that 5,000 Ukrainian soldiers were trapped on the eastern bank of the Oskil River in Kharkiv region — a claim Kyiv has not commented on. Fighting continues around the eastern cities of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, with Russian advances also reported in Zaporizhzhia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said battlefield gains should convince Zelenskyy that “it is better to negotiate now rather than later,” adding that “the space for freedom of decision-making is shrinking” as Ukraine loses territory. Jim Townsend, former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Europe and NATO, told Al Jazeera that Ukraine faces increasing pressure. “If the US pulls back and says, ‘If you’re not going to agree to this, we won’t support you,’ then Zelenskyy will be under tremendous pressure to accept — no matter how hard it feels,” he said. European Leaders Push Back, Call for ‘Just Peace’ Key European leaders — French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz — held talks with Zelenskyy on Friday.They welcomed US efforts but stressed that any peace must protect European and Ukrainian security interests. In a joint message, they reiterated their “unwavering and full support for Ukraine” and its path toward a “lasting and just peace.” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned of the dangers of accepting a deal dictated by Russian aggression. “We all want this war to end, but how it ends matters,” she said. “Russia has no legal right whatsoever to concessions from the country it invaded.” Reporting from Berlin, Al Jazeera’s Dominic Kane noted that while Europe is presenting a united front, its leaders are unlikely to determine the final terms. “Ultimately, the capitals where everything will be decided are Moscow, Kyiv, and Washington,” he said.

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