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Tag: Ukraine

  • Ukraine Embassy in Nigeria displays three years of resilience against Russia’s attacks

    Ukraine Embassy in Nigeria displays three years of resilience against Russia’s attacks

    The Embassy of Ukraine in Nigeria has condemned the recent killings of civilians by Russia after launching missiles and drones.

    The Embassy frowned at the attacks while hosting the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN) in Abuja to an exhibition that showcased a series of the most striking photographs taken during the war, reflecting the resilience of the Ukrainian people, their struggles and their hopes with the theme “Three Years of Resilience: Ukraine In Photograph.

    The Ukrainian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Ivan Kholostenko, who spoke virtually from Kyiv, said the assault, carried out on the night of August 28, 2025, claimed at least 18 lives, including four children, the youngest not yet three years, as well as damaged the premises of the European Union Delegation in Kyiv, reports Daily Trust.

    Describing the strike as a violation of international law, he said, “The killing of children is the gravest of crimes, one that requires firm international condemnation and accountability.

    Russia is a terrorist state, and we call on all countries and international organisations to formally recognise this status. We urge our partners across Africa to intensify pressure on Russia.”

    The solemn ceremony earlier had a Condolence Register opened in memory of those killed in recent attacks, followed by a diplomatic dialogue with Nigerian journalists.

    Ukraine’s Consul, Mr. Oleksii Samillo, praised Nigeria as a “like-minded nation” that is open, hardworking, and development-focused, while underscoring Ukraine’s determination to continue contributing to global partnerships despite the ongoing war.

    “We are open like Nigeria. We are ready like Nigeria. We are developing our country, even as we continue to defend it,” he said. “Despite the challenges, we are still contributing from agriculture to IT and industrial collaboration.”

    As part of the exhibition, journalists viewed authentic pictures, artefacts, banners, and patches sent from the frontlines, symbols of Ukraine’s ongoing resistance since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

    The war, now in its third year, has caused thousands of civilian deaths, displaced millions, and drawn widespread international condemnation. Mr. Idehai Frederic, Chairman of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN), pledged the media’s support in ensuring accurate, fair, balanced and professional coverage of Ukraine’s diplomatic presence in Nigeria.

  • Russia downs 39 Ukrainian drones; 1 dead

    Russia downs 39 Ukrainian drones; 1 dead

    Russian air defense forces intercepted and destroyed a total of 39 Ukrainian drones between Sunday night and Monday morning, the Russian Defence Ministry said.

    Overnight, 32 drones were downed across multiple regions, including seven over Belgorod, five each over Bryansk and Kaluga, and four over Crimea.

    Additional interceptions occurred in the Oryol, Kursk, Voronezh, Ryazan, Moscow, and Tula regions.

    By Monday morning, another seven drones were reportedly shot down, including several near the capital.

    Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin confirmed that seven drones heading toward the city were intercepted within an hour.

    Debris from the intercepted drones caused damage in some areas. In the Nizhny Novgorod Region, one person was killed and two were injured, according to regional governor Gleb Nikitin.

    Emergency teams are responding at impact sites, authorities said.

  • Ukraine envoy hails Nigeria’s support since war with Russia began

    Ukraine envoy hails Nigeria’s support since war with Russia began

    Mr Ivan Kholostenko, the Ukrainian Ambassador to Nigeria, has lauded the Federal Government’s support since the Russian-Ukrainian war began on February 24, 2022.

    The envoy urged continued international attention on the crisis, while speaking on Sunday in Abuja at a private ceremony to open a condolence register for war victims.

    The register followed recent alleged Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure, which allegedly killed innocent people, including children.

    It was the sixth time since April that the Ukrainian Embassy opened a condolence register to allow friends of Ukraine to show solidarity. Kholostenko said Ukrainians were deeply grateful to Nigerians for their support.

    “We know that Nigerians, like Ukrainians, understand the value of freedom,” he said.

    Explaining the decision, the ambassador said it was part of a disturbing pattern and not an isolated act.

    The embassy opened the register to allow Nigerian partners, friends, and the international community to express solidarity with Ukraine.

    “We opened this condolence register to honour the memory of innocent victims of yet another massive act of Russian terror against Ukraine.

    “The enemy deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure, causing destruction and killing peaceful people, including children.

    “Since April, the embassy has opened such a register six times in response to large-scale civilian casualties and attacks on both our state and shared humanity.

    “The latest opening comes as UN data shows alarming civilian casualties. As of 31 May 2025, 13,341 civilian deaths were reported by the UN Human Rights Office due to Russia’s invasion since 2022.

    “The UN has also documented thousands more injured civilians, with June 2025 recording the highest monthly toll in three years,” he said.

    The envoy accused Russia of employing “shameful tactics” to maximise civilian deaths. He cited the “double tap” strategy, where the same location is struck again after rescuers arrive, killing emergency workers.

    He also accused Russia of increasingly using cluster munitions to cause more casualties, saying the timing of attacks raised grave concerns.

    “The intensity of Russian strikes has increased after international calls for a ceasefire and diplomatic solutions.

    “This is no coincidence. It is a deliberate signal of contempt from President Vladimir Putin. The escalation is his attempt to project strength from a position of weakness.

    “His army is weak and demoralised, his economy near collapse, and all he has left is terror against civilians. Russia claims it seeks peace, but in practice, it escalates its brutal war. While the world calls for de-escalation, Russia bombs peaceful cities,” Kholostenko said.

  • Putin receives U.S. envoy as Trump’s Ukraine deadline nears

    Putin receives U.S. envoy as Trump’s Ukraine deadline nears

    Russian President Vladimir Putin received U.S. special envoy for talks on Wednesday, days before President Donald Trump’s deadline for Moscow to accept a ceasefire in Ukraine or face sweeping new sanctions.

    The Kremlin announced Steve Witkoff’s visit but provided no further details. Photos released by the Kremlin show that Putin’s foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, also attended the meeting.

    Following years of limited contact between Washington and Moscow due to the war launched by Putin against Ukraine, Witkoff has now visited Russia five times this year.

    In July, Trump gave Moscow a 50-day deadline to end the war. The timeline was then shortened to this Friday. Trump has threatened a new wave of sanctions if Russia fails to comply.

    Amid growing frustration over continued Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians, Trump pledged to impose “sanctions and maybe tariffs, secondary tariffs” on countries still doing business with Moscow, in a bid to choke off its war funding.

    Russia launched its full-scale invasion of neighbouring Ukraine in February 2022.

  • 6 dead, 52 hurt in Russian strikes on Kyiv

    6 dead, 52 hurt in Russian strikes on Kyiv

    At least six people were killed and 52 were injured in Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, early Thursday, according to local authorities.

    Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, said on Telegram that a six-year-old boy was among the victims.

    The strikes hit 27 locations across the city and destroyed part of a nine-story apartment building, he said.

    Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko added that another apartment building in the western Solomianskyi district was also severely damaged.

    Rescue operations are ongoing, and officials warned that the number of casualties may rise.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Telegram that Russia launched over 300 drones and eight missiles at Ukraine during the assault, with most of the weapons targeting Kyiv.

  • Trump gives Putin 10-12 days for Ukraine talks

    Trump gives Putin 10-12 days for Ukraine talks

    U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a new deadline of about 10 to 12 days for Russian President Vladimir Putin to come to the negotiating table over the Ukraine invasion.

    Trump made the statement while meeting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland, saying, “There is no reason in waiting.”

    He emphasised his intention to bring forward the deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine.

    When asked by reporters about the timeline, Trump replied, “I am going to make a new deadline of about 10 or 12 days from today.”

  • Moscow confirms interest in negotiations with Kiev

    Moscow confirms interest in negotiations with Kiev

    The Kremlin has confirmed its interest in a third round of negotiations proposed by Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, between Mosco and Kiev to end the war.

    At the previous meeting, both sides exchanged their position papers, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.

    Peskov said that an exchange of views and negotiations are now pending, but completely opposing so far.

    He added that great diplomatic work was still needed.

    On Saturday, Zelensky had proposed a meeting to take place later this week, with no finalised date yet.

    Peskov said that there were no changes on the Russian side regarding the composition of the delegation.

    In the previous two rounds of talks in Istanbul, Russia’s chief negotiator was the presidential adviser and former Culture Minister to Vladimir Medinsky.

    In May, Kiev and Moscow held bilateral negotiations for the first time in three years.

    At this meeting and a later one in June in Istanbul, both sides agreed on a large prisoner exchange and the return of fallen soldiers.

    However, steps towards ending the war against Ukraine, ordered by Russian President,Vladimir Putin in February 2022, were not discussed, says a Russian agency.

  • 15 killed, 75 injured in major Russian attack on Ukraine

    15 killed, 75 injured in major Russian attack on Ukraine

    No fewer than 15 people were killed and 75 others injured in Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukraine overnight Tuesday, Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said in a statement.

    The capital Kiev was hit hardest in the attack, where a ballistic missile struck a nine-story apartment building, killing 14 people and injuring 60 others, Interfax-Ukraine news agency cited the minister as saying.

    In the southern city of Odessa, one person was killed and 10 others injured.

    Casualties were also reported in the Kiev and Chernihiv regions.

    Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kiev City Military Administration, said Russia launched a total of 175 drones, along with more than 14 cruise missiles and two ballistic missiles at the capital, hitting residential areas.

    The Interior Ministry said that 27 locations in Kiev, including apartment buildings, educational institutions and critical infrastructure facilities, were under attack overnight.

    Search and rescue operations are ongoing at the sites of the strikes, the State Service for Emergencies said.

  • Ukraine receives bodies of 1,000 soldiers from Russia

    Ukraine receives bodies of 1,000 soldiers from Russia

    Ukraine has received the bodies of 1,212 of its fallen soldiers from Russia after days of dispute, the agency dealing with prisoners of war in Kiev said on Wednesday.

    The soldiers died in battles in Russia’s Kursk region and the Ukrainian regions of Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhya and Kherson, the agency said.

    Russia has for days accused Ukraine of failing to accept the remains, and called on Kiev to comply with agreements reached between the warring parties in talks in Istanbul at the beginning of the month.

    Russia transported the bodies ready for handover over the weekend in what it termed a “humanitarian action,’’ while Ukraine said that no agreement on a handover date had been reached.

    The Istanbul talks provided for the return of the remains of more than 6,000 fallen soldiers from Russia to Ukraine.

    It was not clear whether Russia would also receive the remains of its soldiers killed in Ukraine.

  • Russia mounts pressure on Trump to condemn Ukraine

    Russia mounts pressure on Trump to condemn Ukraine

    The Kremlin is hoping that U.S. President Donald Trump will condemn Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s strategic bomber fleet.

    “If we are talking about an international assessment overall, then of course we will prefer to hear at least a sharp condemnation of this act of terror,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a news conference on Thursday.

    He was responding to a question about whether Trump’s assurances during a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin that he was not aware of the attacks were sufficient.

    Ukraine carried out a coordinated operation last weekend targeting several Russian military airfields far from the border using drones.

    These airfields housed medium- and long-range bombers, which Russia has used to attack Ukraine with missiles and cruise missiles since the start of the war.

    Ukraine has reported around 40 aircraft destroyed or damaged, while the Russian Defence Ministry has said only “a few’’ planes were affected.

    Moscow also said that the aircraft were repairable even though videos showed about 10 bombers on fire.

    Russia has classified the attack as an act of terrorism.

    Peskov announced a military response, stating that it would occur “at a time and with the means that our military deems necessary”.