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Tag: Ukraine

Iraqi Man Sentenced to Life for Trafficking Fighters to Join Russian War in Ukraine

Fola Badmus04 mins

An Iraqi man has been sentenced to life in prison for trafficking individuals to fight for Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine, in what is believed to be the first case of its kind in Iraq. The Najaf Criminal Court announced on Monday that the man had organized and sent groups of people to fight in a foreign conflict in exchange for money. The court issued the life sentence under a 2012 law that criminalizes recruiting or transporting individuals for exploitation. Judicial and security sources later identified the man as Risan Falah Kamel, though no further names or details about the network have been released. The official text of the indictment has not been made public. According to Iraqi officials, many of those recruited were reportedly promised financial rewards or hoped to use Russia as a stepping stone to reach Europe. Local media have estimated that thousands of Iraqi nationals may be fighting on the Russian side, though this has not been independently verified. Earlier this month, Iraq’s parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee confirmed the presence of Iraqis in the conflict and pledged to investigate further. The issue reflects a broader trend in the conflict, which has entered its fourth year. Thousands of foreign fighters have joined both Russian and Ukrainian forces since the war began. In recent months, Ukraine has reported detaining Chinese nationals fighting for Russia, and last year, a British national fighting for Ukraine was captured in the Russian border region of Kursk. North Korea has also reportedly sent thousands of soldiers and large volumes of ammunition to aid Russian forces, especially during Ukraine’s offensives in the border areas. This military cooperation was recently affirmed during talks in Beijing between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Both leaders praised their growing alliance, with Kim calling it a “fraternal duty” to support Russia. China, meanwhile, continues to back Russia economically but has avoided direct military involvement, maintaining a formal position of neutrality and calling for diplomacy to end the conflict. The case in Iraq underscores the increasingly global dimensions of the war in Ukraine and the complex networks now involved in recruitment and participation. Iraqi authorities say further legal actions are likely as investigations continue.

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Russia Claims Gains in Ukraine as Lavrov Calls for Renewed Dialogue With U.S. at UN

Russia Claims Gains in Ukraine as Lavrov Calls for Renewed Dialogue With U.S. at UN

Fola Badmus04 mins

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told delegates at the United Nations headquarters on Saturday that there is still hope for renewed Russian-American dialogue, particularly following the recent summit in Alaska. “We have some hopes for the continuation of the Russian-American dialogue, especially after the summit in Alaska,” Lavrov said during his speech. He suggested the Trump administration was taking a more “realistic” approach to resolving the ongoing war in Ukraine. “Russia and the US bear a special responsibility for the state of affairs in the world and for avoiding risks that could plunge humanity into a new war,” he added. Lavrov’s UN address came amid new battlefield claims by Moscow. The Russian military announced on Saturday that its forces had captured three more villages in eastern Ukraine: Derylove and Maiske in the Donetsk region, and Stepove in the Dnipropetrovsk region. These gains come as part of a continued Russian push in the southeast, with fighting intensifying in multiple directions. In response, Ukraine claimed to have successfully carried out a drone strike on an oil pumping facility in Russia’s Chuvashia region. A Ukrainian official told Reuters: “The SBU [Ukrainian Security Service] continues to impose sanctions on the Russian oil sector, which brings the aggressor country excess profits that go to the war against Ukraine.” Meanwhile, an overnight Russian artillery and drone barrage killed one person and wounded 12 others in Ukraine’s Kherson region, with rail infrastructure also damaged in the neighbouring Odesa region, Ukrainian officials said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a Ukrainian delegation would travel to the U.S. in late September or early October for high-level arms negotiations. He also confirmed that Ukraine had already received one U.S.-made Patriot air defence system from Israel, with two more expected to arrive before the end of the year. Tensions remain high around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which has experienced a four-day blackout, the longest since the war began in February 2022. Both Russia and Ukraine are blaming each other for the disruption at the Russian-occupied facility. Though the plant’s six reactors have been offline since early in the war, it still requires electricity to maintain cooling and safety systems to prevent reactor meltdown.

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Ukraine Is Only First: Zelenskyy Warns of Putin’s Expansionist Agenda at UNGA

Ukraine Is Only First: Zelenskyy Warns of Putin’s Expansionist Agenda at UNGA

Fola Badmus04 mins

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a stark warning to the international community, declaring that Russia’s war in Ukraine is only the beginning of a broader plan by President Vladimir Putin to expand military aggression across Europe. Speaking during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday, Zelenskyy described the current moment as part of “the most destructive arms race in history,” urging world leaders to act decisively before the conflict spreads further. “Ukraine is only the first, and now Russian drones are already flying across Europe. Russian operations are already spreading across countries, and Putin wants to continue this war by expanding it,” Zelenskyy said from the UN headquarters in New York. Testing NATO and Undermining Europe Zelenskyy’s comments come amid growing concerns about Russian incursions into European Union and NATO airspace, testing the alliance’s eastern flank. Although Moscow has denied these allegations, European leaders have expressed alarm over the increasing scope of Russia’s military and cyber operations. The Ukrainian president also referenced an alleged Russian plot to destabilize Moldova, accusing the Kremlin of threatening the small nation’s sovereignty by supporting unrest and maintaining troops in the breakaway region of Transnistria. “Europe cannot afford to lose Moldova too,” Zelenskyy warned. “Supporting Moldova’s stability is not costly—but ignoring the threat will be.” Meeting with Trump, Plea for Weapons Over Words Zelenskyy’s UNGA appearance followed a high-profile meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday. The U.S. leader, who previously urged Ukraine to consider territorial concessions, appeared to take a firmer stance in support of Kyiv. “Yesterday, we had a good meeting. President Trump and I also spoke with many other strong leaders, and together, we can change a lot. I appreciate the support we are receiving,” Zelenskyy said. In a sobering moment during his speech, Zelenskyy stressed that weapons—not diplomacy—will determine the outcome of the war. “If a nation wants peace, it still has to work on weapons. It’s sick, but that’s the reality. Not international law, not cooperation—weapons decide who survives,” he said. AI and Global Security at Risk Turning his focus to emerging technologies, Zelenskyy called for urgent global regulation of artificial intelligence in warfare, comparing its risks to nuclear proliferation. “We need global rules now for how AI can be used in weapons. This is just as urgent as preventing the spread of nuclear weapons,” he said. “Without real security guarantees and international cooperation, there will be no place left on Earth that’s still safe.”

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Trump Says Ukraine Can Reclaim All Territory from Russia

In Major Policy Shift, Trump Says Ukraine Can Reclaim All Territory from Russia

Fola Badmus06 mins

In a dramatic change of stance, U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that Ukraine can recover all of its territory seized by Russia since the 2022 invasion — a departure from his previous suggestions that both sides would need to compromise to end the war. Trump made the statement in a post on his Truth Social platform following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. “With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and NATO, returning to Ukraine’s original borders is very much an option,” Trump wrote. The statement marks a significant reversal from Trump’s earlier position, in which he suggested both Kyiv and Moscow would need to cede land to secure peace. That approach had been sharply rejected by Zelenskyy and most of Europe’s leaders. Criticism of Russia and Praise for Ukraine Trump appeared to take aim at Russia’s military effectiveness, stating that the war had been fought “aimlessly,” and claiming a “real military power” would have won in less than a week. He also called Russia a “paper tiger,” adding that President Vladimir Putin and the Russian economy are in “big trouble,” and urged Ukraine to take advantage of the moment. Despite previous skepticism about Ukraine’s chances and a public clash with Zelenskyy earlier this year, Trump struck a more supportive tone this week. “I have great respect for the fight that Ukraine is putting up. It’s pretty amazing, actually,” he said after the meeting. Zelenskyy: Trump Could Be a ‘Game-Changer’ Zelenskyy thanked Trump for what he called his “personal efforts to stop this war” and said the two had discussed post-war security guarantees for Ukraine. “We all understand that President Trump is ready to give Ukraine security guarantees after this war is finished,” Zelenskyy told reporters, adding that Trump’s leadership could be a “game-changer” in the conflict. Trump had previously opposed Ukraine’s membership in NATO and had insisted that Europe should play a larger role in arming Kyiv. But since taking office in January, he has positioned himself as a potential broker of peace — even promising during his campaign to end the war within 24 hours of becoming president. From Diplomacy to Deterrence Trump’s comments come amid rising tensions between Russia and NATO. When asked if NATO allies should shoot down Russian aircraft violating their airspace, Trump responded, “Yes, I do,” signaling support for a more assertive military posture. Earlier this week, Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonian airspace for 12 minutes, prompting Estonia to call for an emergency UN Security Council meeting and to consult NATO allies. Similar incidents involving Russian drones have been reported by Poland. NATO issued a firm warning Tuesday, pledging to use “all necessary military and nonmilitary tools” to defend member states and calling the airspace breaches “a pattern of increasingly irresponsible behaviour” by Moscow. Uncertainty Remains Around Putin Asked whether he still considered Putin a reliable negotiating partner, Trump was vague. “I’ll let you know in about a month from now, OK?” he said. Trump has frequently delayed decisions related to sanctions or new steps against Moscow, often citing personal diplomacy as a better path forward. Backdrop: A War in Stalemate Since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has seized nearly 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014. The war has become Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II, with both sides locked in a prolonged and grinding battle. Trump’s newly declared support for Ukraine’s full territorial recovery introduces a major shift in the U.S. position and could realign Western diplomatic and military strategies — depending on whether the administration backs rhetoric with action.

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Five Key Takeaways from Trump-Starmer Meeting in the UK Aylesbury, UK – September 18, 2025 — U.S. President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer presented a united front on major global issues during a joint press conference at Chequers, wrapping up Trump’s three-day visit to the United Kingdom. Despite recent tensions between Washington and European allies, the meeting underscored strong transatlantic ties as the two leaders discussed Ukraine, NATO, Gaza, Afghanistan, and more. 1. Trump Says Putin ‘Let Him Down’ Over Ukraine President Trump expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the prolonged war in Ukraine, admitting he underestimated the challenge of resolving the conflict. “I thought it would be easiest because of my relationship with President Putin, but he’s let me down,” Trump said. PM Starmer reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, vowing to increase pressure on Russia and push for a lasting peace deal. 2. Divergence on Gaza, But Unity Against Hamas While both leaders condemned Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, they differed on the broader approach to the Gaza conflict. Trump avoided criticizing Israel’s ongoing military campaign, which has killed over 65,000 Palestinians, calling October 7 “one of the worst days in the history of humanity.” Starmer's previous pledge to recognize a Palestinian state was noted as a “point of disagreement,” but Trump praised the UK leader’s strong stance against Hamas. 3. Trump Praises NATO and Increased Defense Spending Once a vocal NATO critic, Trump struck a different tone, applauding the alliance’s commitment to boost defense spending. “I want to thank NATO and our wonderful head of NATO, Mark [Rutte]… They’ve done a great job,” he said, highlighting a new pledge for members to spend 5% of GDP on defense. Trump emphasized U.S. support in supplying weapons to NATO allies, stressing that the alliance was now “paying its fair share.” 4. Bagram Airbase Back in Focus Trump hinted at possible negotiations with the Taliban for the U.S. to regain access to the Bagram airbase in Afghanistan, which was vacated in 2021 during the Biden administration’s withdrawal. “We’re trying to get it back,” Trump said, citing its strategic location near China’s nuclear facilities. The Taliban, however, quickly dismissed the proposal, stating they welcome engagement with the U.S. but will not allow any foreign military presence. 5. Trump Weighs in on Kimmel Firing Trump also addressed the firing of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel by ABC, following political controversy over remarks involving conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. “Jimmy Kimmel was fired because he had bad ratings… He’s not a talented person,” Trump said, dismissing concerns about free speech and framing the firing as a business decision. Conclusion: The Trump-Starmer meeting reflected a broad effort to reinforce U.S.-UK ties amid ongoing global crises. While areas of disagreement remain, particularly on Middle East policy, both leaders signaled alignment on Ukraine, NATO, and global security cooperation.

Five Key Takeaways from Trump-Starmer Meeting in the UK

Fola Badmus05 mins

Aylesbury, UK – September 18, 2025 — U.S. President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer presented a united front on major global issues during a joint press conference at Chequers, wrapping up Trump’s three-day visit to the United Kingdom. Despite recent tensions between Washington and European allies, the meeting underscored strong transatlantic ties as the two leaders discussed Ukraine, NATO, Gaza, Afghanistan, and more. 1. Trump Says Putin ‘Let Him Down’ Over UkrainePresident Trump expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the prolonged war in Ukraine, admitting he underestimated the challenge of resolving the conflict.“I thought it would be easiest because of my relationship with President Putin, but he’s let me down,” Trump said.PM Starmer reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, vowing to increase pressure on Russia and push for a lasting peace deal. 2. Divergence on Gaza, But Unity Against HamasWhile both leaders condemned Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, they differed on the broader approach to the Gaza conflict.Trump avoided criticizing Israel’s ongoing military campaign, which has killed over 65,000 Palestinians, calling October 7 “one of the worst days in the history of humanity.”Starmer’s previous pledge to recognize a Palestinian state was noted as a “point of disagreement,” but Trump praised the UK leader’s strong stance against Hamas. 3. Trump Praises NATO and Increased Defense SpendingOnce a vocal NATO critic, Trump struck a different tone, applauding the alliance’s commitment to boost defense spending.“I want to thank NATO and our wonderful head of NATO, Mark [Rutte]… They’ve done a great job,” he said, highlighting a new pledge for members to spend 5% of GDP on defense.Trump emphasized U.S. support in supplying weapons to NATO allies, stressing that the alliance was now “paying its fair share.” 4. Bagram Airbase Back in FocusTrump hinted at possible negotiations with the Taliban for the U.S. to regain access to the Bagram airbase in Afghanistan, which was vacated in 2021 during the Biden administration’s withdrawal.“We’re trying to get it back,” Trump said, citing its strategic location near China’s nuclear facilities.The Taliban, however, quickly dismissed the proposal, stating they welcome engagement with the U.S. but will not allow any foreign military presence. 5. Trump Weighs in on Kimmel FiringTrump also addressed the firing of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel by ABC, following political controversy over remarks involving conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.“Jimmy Kimmel was fired because he had bad ratings… He’s not a talented person,” Trump said, dismissing concerns about free speech and framing the firing as a business decision. Conclusion:The Trump-Starmer meeting reflected a broad effort to reinforce U.S.-UK ties amid ongoing global crises. While areas of disagreement remain, particularly on Middle East policy, both leaders signaled alignment on Ukraine, NATO, and global security cooperation.

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Ukraine Strikes Key Russian Oil Refinery as Moscow Tests Hypersonic Missile

Fola Badmus05 mins

Kyiv/Moscow – Ukraine targeted a major Russian oil refinery over the weekend as both nations intensified aerial strikes on critical infrastructure, while Russia launched a hypersonic missile in a show of military strength amid escalating hostilities in the war’s fourth year. The Ukrainian military said it successfully hit the Kirishi oil refinery in Russia’s Leningrad region, a significant facility in one of the world’s top oil-exporting countries. Ukrainian officials described the attack as a “successful strike,” citing explosions and fire at the site, though the extent of the damage remains unverified. Leningrad regional Governor Alexander Drozdenko confirmed the refinery was targeted by three drones, which were destroyed. Debris sparked a fire that was quickly extinguished, and no injuries were reported. The strike comes as Ukraine vows to continue targeting infrastructure used by Russia to transport troops, fuel, and ammunition to front-line positions. Ukrainian forces reported downing 164 drones and a ballistic missile during overnight attacks, while Russia claimed to have intercepted 361 drones and multiple HIMARS rockets. Amid the ongoing drone warfare, Russia’s Ministry of Defence announced the test launch of a Zircon hypersonic missile from the Admiral Golovko frigate in the Barents Sea. The missile launch was part of the “Zapad” (West) joint strategic exercises with Belarus, which also included long-range anti-submarine aircraft and Su-34 fighter-bombers conducting simulated strikes on ground targets. Meanwhile, cross-border instability continues to ripple across the region: Ukraine has not officially claimed responsibility for the railway incidents but reiterated its commitment to disrupting Russia’s military logistics. In a related development, Ukrainian military leadership revealed potential plans to reduce mobile internet quality in targeted regions to prevent Russian drones from transmitting images in real time. On the diplomatic front, U.S. President Donald Trump stated he would support new sanctions against Russia only if all NATO allies agree to cease oil imports from Moscow and implement coordinated sanctions. As drone strikes and military exercises escalate, NATO announced a new security initiative—Eastern Sentry—to reinforce its eastern flank. Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the operation will involve allied assets from Denmark, France, the UK, and Germany. “This military activity will commence in the coming days,” Rutte said, alongside U.S. General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s top European commander. The surge in military action and cross-border incidents underscores growing tensions as the war grinds on, with both sides leveraging technology and strategic infrastructure attacks in an increasingly volatile conflict.

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Trump and Putin both agree: Blame falls on Europe as Ukraine peace effort languishes

Trump and Putin Align in Blame Game as Ukraine Peace Talks Stall

Fola Badmus06 mins

Amid stagnant peace efforts in Ukraine, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have found rare alignment—blaming Europe for the continued impasse. This comes three weeks after their high-profile summit in Alaska, which ended with no concrete outcomes. In a Thursday call with European leaders, Trump urged the continent to do more to cut economic ties with Russia, particularly oil purchases, which he claimed generated €1.1 billion for Moscow in just one year. “Europe must stop purchasing Russian oil that is funding the war,” a White House official stated. The call followed Trump’s comments that he plans to speak with Putin again, even as the Russian leader continues to ignore multiple peace deadlines. Trump’s approach, while forceful in tone, has been vague on enforcement. “If we’re unhappy about it, you’ll see things happen,” he said, without elaborating. Despite Europe’s efforts—like last week’s Paris summit where 26 nations agreed to provide forces for a future peacekeeping mission—Trump’s administration has offered limited commitment and continues to pressure Europe and China, without applying equivalent pressure to Beijing directly. Double Standards and Shifting Alliances Trump’s foreign policy is increasingly seen as transactional and unpredictable. While demanding European action on Russian oil, he has refrained from sanctioning China, citing ongoing trade talks. Meanwhile, India has faced punitive tariffs from Trump for buying Russian oil—further straining relations with the strategic partner and pushing New Delhi closer to Beijing and Moscow. This week, Chinese President Xi Jinping gave Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a warm welcome, with Modi even seen riding in Putin’s limousine—mirroring Trump’s recent public camaraderie with the Russian president. Russia Pushes for Division Putin, meanwhile, has ramped up efforts to fracture NATO unity, accusing Europe of “hysteria” over alleged Russian military threats. “Russia has never had, does not have, and will never have any desire to attack anyone,” he claimed during meetings with leaders like Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Beijing. In a symbolic echo of Alaska, Putin warned Europe not to “throw a wrench” in his negotiations with Trump. Simultaneously, suspected GPS jamming of a plane carrying EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was blamed on Russia—though Moscow dismissed the claim as “fake.” Security Guarantees, but No Breakthrough At the Paris summit, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 countries had pledged contributions to a future peacekeeping or reassurance force for Ukraine, should a deal be reached. Macron also emphasized the need for an “American safety net”, indicating that US support—however limited—remains crucial. However, no firm meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in sight. While Putin offered to host Zelensky in Moscow, Kyiv views the offer as a non-starter, citing security risks and a likely political trap. There are also concerns that Putin could weaponize a bilateral meeting to undermine Zelensky in Trump’s eyes. Analysis: Big Rhetoric, Few Results Despite dominating headlines with high-stakes diplomacy, Trump appears increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress—yet unwilling to deploy the leverage or consistency needed to change course. His tendency to scold allies, court adversaries, and avoid firm commitments has left both Ukraine and US allies guessing. As Putin continues to exploit divisions and as Trump balances contradictory goals, the only clear outcome is continued gridlock, while Ukraine waits for real peace—and real guarantees.

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Putin Warns Western Troops in Ukraine Would Be Legitimate Targets

Fola Badmus05 mins

VLADIVOSTOK, Russia – Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that any deployment of foreign troops to Ukraine as part of Western-backed security guarantees would be treated as a “legitimate target” by Russian forces, rejecting international efforts to shore up post-war security in the region. The statement, delivered Friday during the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, comes after 26 countries pledged to provide troops to Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement with Russia, a plan proposed at a summit in Paris the day prior. “If some troops appear there, especially now during the fighting, we proceed from the premise that they will be legitimate targets,” Putin said. He added that any foreign military presence would undermine, not support, long-term peace efforts. Putin insisted that Ukraine’s growing military alignment with the West remains one of the “root causes” of the war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. “If decisions are reached that lead to peace, to long-term peace, then I simply do not see any sense in their presence on the territory of Ukraine, full stop,” he said. The summit of what has been dubbed a “coalition of the willing” saw several NATO and EU member states agree to send troops to Ukraine to deter future Russian aggression—particularly if peace is brokered through ongoing diplomatic efforts, including those reportedly being pursued by former U.S. President Donald Trump. However, questions remain over the level of U.S. participation. While some Western leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, were physically present at the Paris summit, others, such as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, joined remotely. Trump, who has opened direct communication channels with Moscow, has previously said the U.S. would not commit ground troops but might offer other forms of military support, such as air power. Speaking after the summit, Trump confirmed he would be speaking with Putin soon. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that such a call could be arranged “quickly” if needed. Peskov also sharply criticized the Paris proposal, calling it “definitely not acceptable.” He said any deployment of international or NATO troops near Russia’s borders would be seen as a direct threat. Instead, he pointed to the 2022 Istanbul peace framework, in which Ukraine would agree to a neutral, non-nuclear status and forgo NATO membership, in exchange for security assurances from major powers including Russia, the U.S., China, the UK, and France. While the Kremlin continues to reference the Istanbul framework, Western leaders have highlighted Russia’s repeated violations of past agreements, particularly between 2014 and 2022, when Moscow-backed separatists fought Ukrainian forces in eastern Ukraine. Under the Paris summit’s proposal, a “reassurance force” would patrol Ukrainian territory to enforce any post-conflict agreement. The plan is seen by some as a response to mounting concerns over Trump’s stance on the war and fears that a second Trump presidency could embolden the Kremlin. Putin reiterated that any future security arrangement must account for Russia’s interests, not just Ukraine’s. “I repeat once again, of course, Russia will implement these agreements. But, in any case, no one has discussed this with us at a serious level yet,” he said.

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