Russia

US President Donald J. Trump has renewed his long-standing claim that he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize, arguing that his actions strengthened NATO and prevented wider war in Europe.

In a social media post, Trump said Norway—a NATO member and host country of the Nobel Peace Prize committee—“foolishly” failed to award him the prize, despite what he described as ending multiple wars and forcing NATO allies to increase defence spending. He claimed his leadership deterred Russia and elevated U.S. global standing.

Trump concluded by asserting that NATO depends primarily on American military strength, crediting his presidency for rebuilding U.S. power and saving millions of lives.

By Maryam Ahmad

Russian President Vladimir Putin struck a defiant tone in a speech to his defence ministry, insisting that Russia’s goals in the war in Ukraine “will undoubtedly be achieved,” either through diplomacy or by “military means.”

While signalling openness to what he described as “substantive talks” with the United States, Putin dismissed European leaders in crude terms, referring to them as “little pigs” as they discuss proposals to increase funding for Ukraine.

The comments come as diplomatic activity intensifies in Europe. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to join European Union leaders in Brussels on Thursday, where discussions will focus on continued political, military and financial support for Kyiv amid the protracted conflict.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A court in Moscow has delivered a posthumous conviction against an LGBTQ travel agent who died in custody one year ago, intensifying concerns about Russia’s clampdown on people it claims oppose “traditional” values.

The ruling, issued on Friday, declared 48-year-old Andrei Kotov guilty of extremism. His death was reported in November 2024 after he was found lifeless inside his cell at a Moscow pre-trial detention facility.

Kotov, who operated a travel company named Men Travel, had previously told the court that officers assaulted him on the night of his arrest in November 2024, stating: “Fifteen people came to me at night, beat me, were punching me in the face.”

Despite his death, authorities continued prosecuting the case.

Rights groups said this decision was intended to instil fear within the LGBTQ community, which has faced escalating pressure under President Vladimir Putin.

Reports from Mediazona indicated that the Moscow Golovinsky Court found Kotov guilty of engaging in “extremist activity” and of allegedly involving minors in pornography.

His lawyer said in December 2024 that investigators informed her the cause of death was suicide.

Human rights advocates argued that the government used the case to send a message. Russia has intensified legal and social restrictions against LGBTQ individuals, especially since its military campaign in Ukraine, which pushed the country further into strict conservative policies.

Putin has long criticised anything he believes contradicts “traditional family values,” describing such influences as foreign and un-Russian. In 2023, the Supreme Court outlawed what it referred to as the “international social LGBT movement” and labelled it an “extremist organisation.”

Human Rights Watch said that decision “opened the floodgates for arbitrary prosecutions of individuals who are LGBT or perceived to be, along with anyone who defends their rights or expresses solidarity with them.”

Although LGBTQ people have never experienced broad public acceptance in Russia, activists say conditions have worsened sharply in recent years, with increased risk and intensified state hostility.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A court in Russia’s Kursk region has sentenced a Colombian citizen to 28 years behind bars after finding him guilty of fighting as a “mercenary” with the Ukrainian Armed Forces against Moscow.

The sentencing was announced on Tuesday, with Russian authorities stating that the man took part in combat operations within Ukraine’s military, including in the border region of Kursk.

In its ruling, the court declared that the individual had participated “in the armed conflict as a mercenary in the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” and added that he was “sentenced to imprisonment for 28 years.”

Russian officials have consistently maintained that foreign nationals who support Ukraine on the battlefield are violating Russian law.

The Colombian’s involvement on the side of Kyiv further reflects the international dimension of the ongoing war.

The conviction comes amid continued hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, which have seen rising casualties on both sides.

It also aligns with Moscow’s broader efforts to clamp down on foreign fighters it accuses of aggravating the conflict.

The Russian government has not released the name of the convicted individual, nor has it provided further details regarding the specific charges or dates of the alleged combat activities.

The situation remains a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of the war, now drawing individuals from different continents into its orbit.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

In his first Sunday message as Pope, Leo XIV made a powerful plea for peace, urging an immediate end to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. 

Addressing the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff called for “an authentic and lasting peace” in Ukraine, emphasising the devastating human cost of the ongoing war. 

He further implored for a ceasefire in Gaza, demanding the release of all Israeli hostages held captive.

“The world yearns for peace,” Pope Leo XIV stated, his voice resonating across the square. “We must strive for dialogue and understanding, putting an end to the violence that inflicts immeasurable suffering. In Ukraine, let the weapons fall silent, and in Gaza, let the hostages be released.”

His message underscored the Vatican’s continued commitment to promoting peace and reconciliation in conflict-plagued regions. 

The Pope’s appeal resonated with many, who hope his words may inspire concrete action toward achieving a lasting resolution.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reiterated his country’s commitment to achieving peace and stated that his country is prepared to negotiate as soon as possible. 

In a statement posted on social media, Zelenskyy emphasised that “nobody desires peace more than Ukrainians” and expressed his readiness to collaborate with U.S. President Donald Trump’s leadership to secure a lasting resolution. 

He proposed initial measures, including a prisoner exchange and an immediate ceasefire on aerial and naval assaults, contingent on Russia’s reciprocity.

Zelenskyy also acknowledged the critical role the U.S. has played in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, particularly highlighting Trump’s past decision to provide Javelin missiles. He stressed the importance of continued cooperation with Washington and expressed disappointment over a recent White House meeting that did not go as expected. 

Calling for constructive dialogue, Zelenskyy urged U.S. officials to work together to make things right and advance peace efforts.

The Ukrainian leader reiterated his country’s readiness to sign a security and mineral resources agreement at any moment. He described the deal as a step toward stronger security guarantees and expressed hope for effective implementation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has expressed concerns that the United States is attempting to “please” Russian President Vladimir Putin as peace negotiations aimed at ending the nearly three-year-long war commence in Saudi Arabia today.

The talks, which exclude Ukraine and the European Union, were organized under the directive of US President Donald Trump.

This decision has prompted European leaders to hold emergency discussions in Paris over concerns about the potential outcome.

Zelensky has warned that any agreement favoring Russia could lead to Europe’s military “weakness,” particularly if Moscow is allowed to dictate the terms.

A delegation comprising senior officials from both Russia and the US arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday, but Ukraine’s leader has expressed discontent over what he perceives as conciliatory remarks from US officials toward Russia.

Earlier reports indicate that Zelensky made it clear on Monday that Ukraine would reject any peace deal that does not involve his country and the United Kingdom.

“The US is now saying things that are very favourable to Putin… because they want to please him. They want to meet quickly and have a quick win. But what they want — ‘just a ceasefire’ — is not a win,” Zelensky said, as translated by broadcaster ARD in an interview conducted in Munich.

During his campaign, Trump pledged to end the Russia-Ukraine war within his first 100 days in office. Last week, he announced that he had spoken directly with Putin regarding a swift resolution to the conflict.

Reports suggest that any potential agreement may heavily favor Russia, including provisions that would prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and hinder efforts to reclaim territories lost since 2014.

Despite this, Zelensky has firmly stated that Ukraine “will not sign just anything in order to be applauded,” emphasizing that “the fate of our state for generations to come” is at stake.

He also dismissed the idea of conceding Ukrainian land occupied by Russian forces, affirming: “We will reclaim it all.”

Meanwhile, European leaders convened an urgent meeting in Paris on Monday to discuss strengthening their military independence and increasing support for Ukraine.

While they opposed the US approach to peace negotiations, they also highlighted the importance of maintaining NATO unity.

Zelensky has cautioned that Europe’s security remains fragile if it cannot depend on US military support. However, he noted that Ukraine has grown more resilient over the past three years, stating that “Putin wouldn’t be able to occupy us the way he wanted to.”

Nevertheless, he acknowledged that “there will definitely not be a Ukrainian victory without US support.”

He also revealed that he and Trump had discussed the deployment of foreign troops to oversee any future ceasefire agreements.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the Russian Federation have underscored the crucial role of oil and energy market stability in driving economic growth.

This emphasis was made during the Ninth High-level Meeting of the OPEC-Russia Energy Dialogue, held in Moscow, Russia, on November 22, 2024. 

Co-chaired by HE Alexander Novak, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, and HE Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General of OPEC, the meeting highlighted the significance of cooperation between OPEC and the Russian Federation. 

“Russia will continue to be a key player in the oil market, maintaining its status as a reliable supplier,” said Alexander Novak.

“The OPEC+ member countries are in constant contact, monitor the market situation and are ready to flexibly and promptly respond to any changes in market conditions.” 

Haitham Al Ghais praised the partnership between the Russian Federation and OPEC, commending the Russian Federation’s leadership role in the ‘Declaration of Cooperation’ framework.

The Secretary General also noted the importance of the OPEC-Russia Energy Dialogue as a platform for discussion and knowledge sharing. 

The meeting discussed developments in global oil and energy markets, climate change negotiations at COP29, and issues related to energy security, underinvestment, and market stability.

The next high-level meeting of the OPEC-Russia Energy Dialogue is scheduled to take place in Vienna, Austria, in 2025.

By Abdullahi Muhammad 

The Hausa Community Organization, Al-Ummar Hausawa Mazauna Rasha, appointed caretaker leaders to oversee operations. New officials include Abubakar Abdullahi Musa as Public Relations Officer (PRO), Aminu Taura as president, and Ahmad Garba Yakubu as vice president.

Founded in 2023 by Arewa youth, the organization fosters unity and collaboration among Hausa people in Russia. It supports students, professionals, and workers by providing a platform for their interests and promoting cultural and social engagement.

Last week, the community held its second online meeting with Hausa participants from various regions of Russia. The agenda focused on selecting interim leaders to guide the organisation during its formation.

Following discussions, nominees for key positions were identified, and messages were sent to confirm appointments. The caretaker team is expected to oversee the organization’s structure, engage members, and outline objectives that align with community goals.

Speaking on his nomination, Abubakar Abdullahi Musa expressed gratitude and commitment to serving the Hausa community in Russia. He noted that the organisation represents an opportunity to strengthen bonds among Hausa individuals and provide solutions to challenges members face in a foreign land.

The Hausa Community Organization in Russia anticipates continuous progress under its newly established leadership. It aims to strengthen the sense of belonging and solidarity among its members.

By Anwar Usman 

The Federal Government has said there is an ongoing plan to improve the welfare of minors detained over their alleged participation in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest. 

This was disclosed in a statement by the Minister of Youths Development, Ayodele Olawande, on Friday. 

Earlier today, there was uproar at the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja after some of the arraigned minors fainted and a great number of them looking malnourished after being detained for three months. 

The court later ruled that they be granted bail in the sum of N10 million each, while the prosecutor asked the judge to remove the names of those who collapsed from the charge. 

While reacting to the development, Olawande said the ministry is “engaging with the ministry of interior towards finding out the facts of the situation and improving the welfare of the young people being held, not just in relation to this case but in correctional centres across the country”. 

He further added, “Please rest assured of the Ministry’s commitment to protecting youth’s interests and the welfare of young Nigerians, wherever they may be”. 

More details later…