The Nation Newspaper

Category: Foreign

  • Zanzibar to hit one million annual tourists target

    Zanzibar to hit one million annual tourists target

    Zanzibar is on the verge of a historic milestone as annual tourist arrivals move closer to the one-million mark—an achievement that tourism authorities say reflects the islands’ growing global appeal, resilience, and maturing hospitality sector.

    Data from the Office of the Chief Government Statistician shows that the islands had recorded 743,605 international arrivals by the end of October 2025, surpassing all previous full-year totals well before the year’s end.

    The figure exceeds last year’s record of 736,755 visitors, cementing 2025 as Zanzibar’s strongest tourism year yet—with two months still unaccounted for.

    The numbers highlight a steady rise in arrivals over the past five years: 260,644 visitors in 2020, 394,185 in 2021, 548,503 in 2022, and 638,498 in 2023. Monthly data for 2025 also points to sustained growth, with arrivals peaking during the mid-year period—98,370 in July, 105,506 in August, and 84,154 in September.

    According to the Executive Secretary of the Zanzibar Commission of Tourism, Mr. Arif Abbas Manji, the surge in arrivals is especially significant given the global shocks that have affected tourism industries worldwide.

    “The rise in arrivals has occurred despite challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing geopolitical tensions,” Arif said. 

    “Zanzibar has demonstrated strong resilience, supported by reforms and strategic investments designed to stabilise and expand the sector.”

    He noted that the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar has prioritised improving the investment climate, modernising airport and port facilities, upgrading roads, and strengthening service standards across the hospitality industry.

    “These reforms have made Zanzibar more competitive internationally,” Arif added.

    Stability and improved connectivity drive growth

    Arif emphasised that the record numbers also reflect Zanzibar’s stability—socially, politically and economically.

    “The significant increase in tourist arrivals this year—which is also an election year—clearly demonstrates that Zanzibar is not only rich in attractions but also a peaceful and stable destination,” he said.

    He further highlighted the role of direct international flights, many of which stem from commitments secured through the African Aviation Development Conference (AVIADEV).

    “Improved air connectivity from various parts of the world has greatly contributed to the rise in arrivals,” he noted.

    Developers powering transformation

    Zanzibar’s rapid tourism rise has also been fuelled by the growing influence of large-scale property and hospitality developers—whose investments have significantly expanded accommodation, lifestyle, and leisure options on the islands.

    Notably, Infinity Developments, with projects valued at over $500 million under construction, have been central in reshaping the tourism landscape.

    The company’s integrated resorts, waterfront residences, and mixed-use developments are attracting new categories of high-value travellers while boosting investor confidence.

    Industry analysts say such developments are modernising the tourism product, increasing bed capacity, creating jobs, and raising service standards across the board.

    Beyond beach and heritage tourism, Zanzibar has been actively expanding its offerings.

    New segments—such as Sports Tourism, Halal Tourism, Medical Tourism, and the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) market—are broadening the islands’ appeal.

    Sustainable tourism initiatives, aligned with the “Tourism for All” framework, are also encouraging environmental protection, community participation, and inclusivity.

    Growing impact across the economy

    Industry analysts say the tourism boom is already stimulating growth across multiple sectors. Construction, transport, agriculture, fisheries and the creative economy are all experiencing increased demand driven by visitor spending.

    Small-scale entrepreneurs—from Stone Town artisans to spice farm operators—are among the biggest beneficiaries of the surge.

    Arif said this cross-sector impact underscores the broader economic significance of reaching the one-million-tourist milestone.

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    “This growth shows that Zanzibar is no longer an emerging destination—it is a fully established global brand,” he said.

    “Reaching a million tourists a year means more jobs, more local enterprises, and stronger investor confidence. But it also challenges us to grow responsibly and protect the natural and cultural heritage that makes Zanzibar special.”

    Zanzibar’s rise has been amplified by a series of high-profile international awards from globally recognised travel and tourism bodies—an endorsement that officials say is elevating the islands’ position among Africa’s fastest-growing destinations.

    A defining moment for Zanzibar’s tourism future

    Breaking the annual tourism record even before November is seen by authorities and analysts as a turning point in the sector’s evolution. It signals not only a strong recovery from recent global shocks but the emergence of a robust, diversified, and future-focused tourism industry.

    With November and December numbers still to come, officials expect the final tally to edge even closer to—if not surpass—the symbolic one million mark.

    “Our goal is not just to attract more visitors,” Arif said. “It is to ensure UN each arrival contributes to a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive tourism economy—one that benefits Zanzibaris for generations.”

    If the current trend continues, Zanzibar is poised to enter 2026 as one of the most competitive and dynamic tourism destinations in the Indian Ocean region.

  • Mozambique: Surge in violence displaces more than 100,000 people

    Mozambique: Surge in violence displaces more than 100,000 people

    The past two weeks have seen a sudden increase in violent attacks from insurgent groups in Mozambique.

    This has led more than 100,000 people to flee, most of them being children.

    The number of internally displaced people (IDPs) has sharply increased in Mozambique in recent days. At least 107,000 people have fled violent attacks, particularly in the country’s north.

    According to the UN, the largest movements took place in the Erati and Memba districts of Nampula.

    Two-thirds of the refugees are children, according to the UN agency.

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     Attacks by insurgent groups, especially in the north of the country, have increased this year, and experts note that the violence has reached an unusual level of continuity, with attacks in some areas lasting for weeks rather than being short-phased and sporadic.

     UNICEF also said that attacks took place in Cabo Delgado’s Palma District for the first time in four years.

     The internally displaced populations face a critical shortage of humanitarian aid.

    Food stocks and health kits are quickly running out, and assistance programmes are unable to cope with the number of refugees and the funds available.

    In Mozambique, more than 1.3 million people have been displaced by violence from non-state armed groups in total since 2017.

  • EU countries back stricter rules for deportation process

    EU countries back stricter rules for deportation process

    European Union (EU) member states says it’s aiming to tighten the rules for asylum-seekers whose claims have been rejected and process deportations more efficiently.

     This is according to plans announced yesterday.

    “Three in four irregular migrants who have been issued a return decision in the EU, continue to stay here instead of returning home,” said Danish Immigration Minister Rasmus Stoklund, who chaired the talks.

    “I believe the new set of rules significantly can help improve these numbers,” he added.

    The agreement struck at a meeting of EU interior ministers in Brussels will mean that people without the right to stay in the EU will for the first time be subject to new obligations, Stoklund said.

    Failed asylum-seekers will face penalties if they fail to actively cooperate in the deportation process or to present identification documents immediately upon request.

     Penalties can include a reduction in benefits, a longer entry ban, or in some cases imprisonment.

     In addition, stricter rules are to apply to people who are categorised as a security risk.

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    The agreement also opens the way for migrant return centres in third countries.

    Additionally, EU countries can, on a voluntary basis, recognise and enforce a deportation decisions taken in another EU country without having to start the procedure of issuing a new return decision.

    The details of the new rules are to be finalised in negotiations with the European Parliament.

    However, no major changes are expected.

    According to the EU Asylum Agency, the German authorities received 70,000 applications from new arrivals in the first half of the year.

    This puts Germany in third place within the EU behind France (78,000) and Spain (77,000).

  • Nigeria reaffirms commitment to regional stability at Ouattara’s inauguration

    Nigeria reaffirms commitment to regional stability at Ouattara’s inauguration

    Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday joined world leaders in Abidjan for the inauguration of President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and promoting peace and stability across West Africa.

    Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Presidential Palace, conveyed the President’s congratulations to his Ivorian counterpart and expressed confidence in Ouattara’s ability to sustain economic growth and reconciliation as he begins a new term.

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    According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, the event drew several African leaders and international dignitaries, including Presidents of South Africa, Liberia, Senegal, Gambia, Angola and Ghana, as well as former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. 

    The United States delegation was led by the Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, Jacob Helberg, alongside high-level representatives from Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other nations.

     In his remarks, Shettima reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to deepen bilateral relations with Côte d’Ivoire, particularly in security cooperation, agriculture and trade, while jointly advancing peace and stability across the sub-region.

    President Ouattara, in his inaugural address, thanked visiting leaders for their solidarity and pledged to consolidate national unity, economic reforms and diplomacy for the benefit of Ivoirians and regional neighbours.

  • Nigeria remains non-aligned, says Tuggar

    Nigeria remains non-aligned, says Tuggar

    Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a pragmatic, interest-driven foreign policy anchored on growth, job creation and strategic global partnerships.

    Tuggar said this in a statement through Alkasim Abdulkadir, his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy.

    Abdulkadir quoted Tuggar as saying this during a high-level panel: “BRICS, GCC and evolving relations for a Changing Global Order” at Doha Forum 2025.

    Tuggar said: “Nigeria remains committed to building partnerships on mutual respect, shared interests, and economic outcomes that benefit its people.”

    He explained that Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Bola Tinubu was shaped by the country’s demographic realities and development priorities.

    This, according to him, with a population of 230 million, mostly young people, Nigeria must expand employment opportunities, grow its middle class, and attract investment.

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    He said Nigeria’s engagement with platforms, such as BRICS and the G20, is not driven by ideological alignment with any bloc, but by national interest.

    “Nigeria is avoiding rigid East–West divisions and instead pursuing balanced relationships with partners in a changing multipolar world,” he said.

    He cautioned against the importation of external geopolitical rivalries into Africa, stressing the need to safeguard regional stability and prevent proxy competition that could undermine peace and development.

    He said Nigeria’s participation in global bodies reflected its long-standing tradition of independent diplomacy and multilateral engagement, rooted in its historic role in Africa’s liberation struggles and global development cooperation.

  • UN expresses pains over school girls’ abductions

    UN expresses pains over school girls’ abductions

    United Nations has expressed deep pain over school girls’ abductions in Nigeria.

    This is as it also continues the push for gender equality, empowerment and rights for women and girls.

    UN Women Deputy Executive Director, Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, in Abuja said she feels the pains as a mother of what the children are going through.

    “And at the outset, to also express as a mother, as a leader, my pain with the abductions that we still see of our daughters. I needed to express that.

    “I join calls for release of our daughters. As a mother, I feel my stomach churning when I wonder, what did she eat today? Where did she sleep tonight etc.? And I also think of her community, and their families. And therefore reaffirm that every girl must have a right and does have a right to security and to education.”

    She added: “Violence against women and girls remains pervasive in this country, Nigeria, with the abductions that I have mentioned and the attacks on schoolgirls highlighting the urgent need for safety in schools, safety in our homes, in our communities, and online.

    “This is critical because globally, nearly one in three women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.”

    Gumbonzvanda also decried the alarming rate of Technology-Facilitated Gender Based Violence, calling for proper protections for the girl child.

    “A critical area of concern remains technology-facilitated gender-based violence, which is rising globally and nationally. Between 16 percent and 58 percent of women worldwide experience some form of online or technology-facilitated gender-based violence, depending on the region.

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    “Globally, one in three women experience physical or sexual violence. And technology-facilitated abuse affects up to 58 percent of women, according to our UN Women data of 2022,” the UN Women official said.

     She also noted that UN Women is supporting the governments and stakeholders in strengthening the policy frameworks, enhancing digital safety, and promoting accountability for online harms.

    She stressed the importance of a legal framework to address the menace.

     According to her: “Effective legal frameworks and inclusive governance are essential to reversing this trend. My discussion with ambassadors accredited to Nigeria also underscored the importance of enhanced regional cooperation and particularly across the Sahel and West Africa, where women’s leadership and peace-building efforts are indispensable for stability and for sustainable development.

    Gumbonzvanda commended the efforts of the National Assembly’s strong commitment to strengthening legislation that protects women and girls in advancing measures that expand women’s participation in governance.

    She also commented on women’s representation at the National Assembly which is only 3.8 percent, far way below the global average of 27.2 percent according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union data of 2025.

    She urged the country to adopt the “Legislative reforms such as affirmative action, such as quotas, and the proposed special seats which are globally recognised to accelerate women’s participation.

    “These measures are not just there to strengthen democracy, but also to ensure rule of law in that budget reflects the needs of half of the population.”

    She therefore sees the ongoing debate on the special bill as positive.

     “Therefore, I am really excited to be here in this country, as the country engages deeply and boldly and confidently on the special seats bill. And I’m looking forward to the day when it will be passed. I do, in every country, because also as the UN, special measures are part of standards, are part of international standards.

    “And equally, we have SDG 5 on women in decision making, which aims for gender parity by 2030. So the efforts in Nigeria are a good progressive approach towards that goal. Economic empowerment is vital for sustainable development.”

    On the need to empower women, Gumbonzvanda stressed that women make up over 70 percent of Nigeria’s agricultural labour force, yet face barriers to land, to credit, to markets.

    “Gender responsive budgeting and investments in women farmers and entrepreneurs can unlock growth and resilience. Closing gender gaps in labour participation could add up to 12 million to global GDP by 2025, according to the data from McKinsey, proving that empowering women is smart economics.

    “Empowering women economically is not charity. It is innovation, it is development, it is a benefit that extends the entire community. Some of us are sitting here because our mothers in the rural areas were empowered to be able to send their goats to market and be able to pay school fees, that we’re able to give soap and sugar, because our mothers were able to get a little bit of income in the family.”

  • Salis: Why National Assembly should pass laws against use of thugs by politicians

    Salis: Why National Assembly should pass laws against use of thugs by politicians

    First Nigerian Astronaut, Chief Owolabi Salis, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of the National Assembly to enact a law prohibiting politicians from using thugs and hooligans for political activities.

    In a statement, Salis said politicians who require security should rely solely on the police or licensed security companies, which can be held accountable for any criminal actions committed by their personnel.

    He noted that in developed democracies across Europe and America, the use of thugs is rare, which contributes to the stability and sanity of their political systems.

    The Ikorodu-born explorer, who is also the first Black African and first Black person to visit both the North and South Poles within the same season, urged individuals, civil society groups, and NGOs to pressure the Presidency and the National Assembly to initiate the process of enacting the law, stressing the urgency of such reforms.

    Salis blamed the rise in banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and other crimes on politicians who arm and deploy thugs to intimidate opponents and sow chaos.

    He said political thuggery also discourages many eligible voters from participating in elections due to fear for their safety.

    According to him, some politicians turn thugs into private armies, equip them with weapons, and fuel them with drugs to make them more violent, only to abandon them afterward. He warned that once abandoned and unemployed, such individuals often resort to criminal activities to survive.

    Salis added that political thugs are frequently used to snatch ballot boxes, manipulate election results, and distort figures, undermining the integrity of the electoral process.

    He described the criminal use of thugs as “the number one bane of democracy in Nigeria,” arguing that democracy cannot thrive until political violence is eradicated.

    He said the climate of violence has discouraged many competent Nigerians at home and abroad from joining politics because of the dangers associated with thuggery and hooliganism.

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    Salis lamented that many politicians who should uphold law and order instead act as mentors and sponsors of thugs, miscreants, and bandits, who in turn engage in armed robbery, extortion, land grabbing, and other offences.

    He also accused some politicians of sponsoring bandits to destabilise the country and aid foreign economic saboteurs involved in illegal mining.

    He warned that those who engage in such acts face spiritual consequences, adding that a society ruled by unjust leaders cannot achieve peace or stability.

    Salis, who also leads the Soul Makers Ministry Worldwide, said the shortcomings of mainstream religions like Islam and Christianity in addressing hatred and violence have created gaps.

    He advocated Astro-Theology—which focuses on primary spiritual values—and Astro-Democracy, which removes the fear of domination among groups, as pathways to fostering harmony and reducing political violence in Nigeria.

  • UK PACT targets cleaner transport, better air quality in Enugu

    UK PACT targets cleaner transport, better air quality in Enugu

    The United Kingdom Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (UK PACT) on Thursday unveiled a major national project in Enugu aimed at strengthening private-sector capacity to tackle air pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Nigeria’s transport sector.

    The initiative, tagged “Transport Climate Action: Boosting Business Leadership for Clean Air in Nigeria,” is designed to accelerate low-carbon, inclusive economic growth by equipping companies with the tools, skills, and support needed to adopt cleaner technologies and climate-smart business models.

    Thursday’s stakeholder engagement held in Enugu brought together key actors across businesses, government, security agencies, regulators, financial institutions, development organisations, and civil society groups.

    Speaking during the event, the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, who delivered a goodwill message on behalf of Governor Peter Mbah, said climate challenges confronting Nigeria, and Enugu in particular, demand urgent, private-sector-driven solutions.

    He noted that climate change impacts such as erosion, land degradation, and worsening urban air quality were already affecting livelihoods across communities in the state.

    Quoting recent data shared by the UK PACT project, Onyia said more than 200,000 Nigerians die prematurely every year due to air pollution, with the transport sector contributing over 15 percent of national greenhouse gas emissions.

    “Enugu is not exempt from this reality,” he said, adding, “But within these challenges lie enormous opportunities, opportunities for innovation, new business models, cleaner technologies, and job-creating green industries.”

    Onyia said the Enugu State Government had begun reforms in the transport sector, including gradual modernisation of intra-city mobility, and would continue to deepen public-private partnerships to advance climate resilience.

    He said the UK PACT project aligns with the state’s development priorities by supporting businesses to access climate finance, understand relevant regulations, develop climate action plans, and adopt emissions-reducing practices in line with Nigeria’s NDC 3.0 targets.

    “We see opportunities here for further engagement with our private sector. This event offers us a strategic platform to strengthen partnerships, unlock finance, and shape a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient economic future for Enugu,” he added.

    Delivering her remarks virtually, Isabel Hilson, UK PACT Nigeria Lead at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, said the programme is the UK government’s flagship climate-capacity initiative working with countries that have high emissions-reduction potential.

    She said the new project falls under the Climate Policy and Governance sector of UK PACT, focusing on transport because of its significant emissions burden and economic importance.

    “Transport is a major source of greenhouse gases and air pollution, but it is also a vital enabler of trade and development,” Hilson said.

    “We hope to deliver the innovation and investment needed for cleaner transport systems that benefit health, climate, and growth.”

    She added that the project would support Nigeria to meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement and its long-term low-emissions development strategy.

    In his presentation, Dr. Emmanuel Onwodi, Project Lead at Escher Silverman Global (ESG), described rising greenhouse gas emissions as one of Nigeria’s most urgent public health and economic concerns.

    According to him, businesses are both contributors and victims of the pollution crisis.

    “The transport sector accounts for more than 15 percent of Nigeria’s greenhouse gas emissions but remains ill-equipped to address the issues, limited technical expertise, unclear regulatory pathways, and restricted access to finance for clean technologies,” he noted.

    He said the UK PACT intervention would equip private companies with training, policy support, and practical tools to reduce emissions while improving competitiveness.

    Gari Haq, Consortium Lead from the University of York and Stockholm Environment Institute, said cleaner transport remains one of the fastest pathways to healthier populations, safer climate conditions, and stronger businesses.

    “We all contribute to climate change through our actions, and we are all casualties of these emissions,” he said.

    “It is about acting locally while thinking globally. With tight margins and rising costs, clean transport offers a practical route to long-term sustainability.”

    Haq explained that the 15-month programme would help businesses access climate finance, participate in voluntary carbon markets, develop finance-ready Climate and Clean Air Action Plans, and understand regulatory frameworks such as the National Climate Change Fund.

    He also noted that the project integrates gender equality, disability, and social inclusion principles to ensure equitable climate solutions.

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Finance and Stakeholder Engagement, Mr. Ibrahim Shelleng, said climate change has become a lived reality across Nigeria, from flooding in coastal cities to extreme heat in the north.

    He said the private sector must play a central role in transitioning Nigeria to a cleaner, healthier, and more competitive economy.

    “Our industries, SMEs, financiers, and innovators must drive this transition,” he said.

    “This platform deepens understanding, builds capacity, and strengthens collaboration. It allows us to explore clean-energy technologies, climate-smart business practices, and access climate finance instruments such as carbon markets and green bonds.”

    Also speaking, Dr. Bernard Obika highlighted rising urban migration, worsening air quality, and global agreements such as the Paris Accord as compelling reasons for urgent action.

    He said transport emissions remain a major source of pollution-related deaths in Nigeria, reiterating that limiting global warming requires rapid, far-reaching changes driven largely by the private sector.

    The project is being implemented by a consortium that includes the University of York/Stockholm Environment Institute, Consulting Engineers Group (CEG), SLOCAT Partnership, ESG, and AP3 Advisory.

  • Russian envoy advocates balanced global order at diplomatic forum

    Russian envoy advocates balanced global order at diplomatic forum

    The Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) yesterday hosted the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Leonidovich Podelyshev, who used the forum to advocate for a balanced global order and the strengthening of multilateral diplomacy.

    The event, themed: “Russia’s Foreign Policy and Its Priorities: Prospects for Multilateral Diplomacy,” focused on Russia’s approach to global cooperation and its engagement with African nations, including Nigeria.

    Speaking to diplomats, academics, students and policy experts, Ambassador Podelyshev said Russia’s foreign policy is anchored on the defence of national sovereignty, promotion of a multipolar world order, and expansion of strategic partnerships through dialogue-based diplomacy.

    He stressed that global power dynamics are evolving and that countries must interact based on equality, respect and mutual interest rather than domination by a single power bloc.

    The envoy highlighted Russia’s prioritisation of deeper political, economic and cultural ties with Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Latin America.

    He described Nigeria as a key partner in West Africa and emphasised that multilateral diplomacy is central to addressing global security challenges, economic instability and disparities in international decision-making processes, including within the United Nations (UN) framework.

    Ambassador Podelyshev also outlined areas for expanded cooperation between Russia and Nigeria, including energy development, crude oil and gas exploration, cyber-security, military-technical collaboration, space technology research, educational scholarships and increased bilateral trade.

    He said Russia remains open to collaborations that enhance development and stability across the African region.

    During a question and answer session, participants sought clarification on Russia’s stance on conflict resolution, international sanctions, and diplomatic engagement during periods of geopolitical tension. The ambassador responded that Russia continues to rely on negotiation, dialogue, and multilateral institutions to address disputes, while prioritising sovereignty and national interest in all external actions.

    Director-General of NIIA, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, described the forum as timely, noting that understanding the priorities of global actors like Russia is crucial for Nigeria to strategically position itself within an emerging multipolar global order.

    The session brought together diplomats, academics, policy experts and students who discussed the implications of Russia’s foreign policy on Africa’s economic and security landscape. Discussions also touched on potential Nigeria–Russia cooperation in agriculture, mining, defence training and nuclear energy development.

  • ​EU diplomats lean on NABU as corruption scandals engulf Zelensky, Brussels

    ​EU diplomats lean on NABU as corruption scandals engulf Zelensky, Brussels

    On 2 December 2025 Belgian federal police, acting on orders from the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and with OLAF investigators in tow, raided the headquarters of the European External Action Service in Brussels, the College of Europe campus in Bruges, and several private homes.

    Three people were detained for questioning: Federica Mogherini, former EU High Representative and current rector of the College of Europe; Stefano Sannino, ex EEAS secretary-general now a senior Commission official; and a College manager.

    The case centres on a 2021–2022 tender for the EU Diplomatic Academy training programme, a modest €654,000 contract that the College won under circumstances that prosecutors say stink of rigged bids, leaked inside information, conflicts of interest, and breach of secrecy rules.

    What would normally be just another Brussels procurement scandal has landed like a bomb because it strikes at the very institution that coordinates the EU’s foreign policy at a moment when that policy is wholly consumed by one thing: keeping the war in Ukraine going.

    The timing is brutal. While Belgian cops were turning over desks in the EEAS, Europe’s ambassadors in Kyiv were burning the phones trying to contain a separate explosion. Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) has spent the past year wire-tapping, raiding, and building an airtight case that top figures around President Zelensky embezzled roughly $100 million from energy-sector contracts during wartime.

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    The scheme allegedly involved inflated prices for transformers, kickbacks from grid-repair deals, and cash laundered through Dubai and Cyprus. Some of the skimmed money even ended up in Moscow banks, which is about as dark an irony as it gets when your country is fighting for survival.

    The NABU files name names most Ukrainians thought were untouchable: former energy ministers, current deputy ministers, Zelensky’s old campaign financier Timur Mindich, and in intercepted conversations aides in the presidential office itself. When the first details leaked in November, Zelensky’s approval rating collapsed, protests broke out in Kyiv, and for the first time since February 2022 people were openly calling for the president to go.

    That is when the EU ambassadors swung into action. French and German diplomats, according to multiple Kyiv sources, started meeting Ukrainian editors to “shape coverage” and hunted for back-channel contacts who could lean on NABU to slow things down or narrow the scope.

    One Western diplomat privately admitted the panic: if Zelensky falls or is forced into serious concessions, the entire European narrative of “unlimited support until victory” collapses, and with it the political careers of the current leadership in Brussels, Paris and Berlin. Three years of pouring €100 billion plus of European taxpayers’ money into Ukraine have become the defining legacy of von der Leyen, Macron, and Scholz. An early peace that looks like capitulation would be political suicide.

    Meanwhile, the fallout in Kyiv intensified. Andriy Yermak, President Zelensky’s chief of staff, has now been barred from leaving Ukraine at the request of NABU, with three formal charges reportedly under preparation.

    EU ambassadors reportedly pressed to ease the pressure, but their influence appears limited: Ukrainian anti-corruption authorities are moving forward regardless of external diplomatic pressure. The message is clear—no amount of European lobbying can shield Kyiv’s inner circle from scrutiny, even as Brussels scrambles to contain the political damage.

    But NABU is not a normal Ukrainian agency. It was built from the ground up by the FBI and USAID after 2014 precisely to be independent of local political pressure. Its detectives are trained in Quantico, its budget is ring-fenced, and its leadership knows that any hint of European meddling will be leaked to Washington in minutes. The ambassadors are discovering what several Ukrainian oligarchs learned the hard way: you don’t negotiate with NABU, you survive it or you don’t.

    So you have this surreal split-screen: in Brussels, the EU’s own fraud hunters are hauling away the former face of European diplomacy for a relatively small contract scam; in Kyiv, the same European diplomatic service is frantically trying to shield a wartime leadership accused of stealing on an industrial scale—all because letting the truth fully out risks ending the war on terms Europe can no longer control.

    The contradiction is glaring. Brussels lectures the world about rule of law and transparency, yet its top diplomats are reduced to begging Ukrainian journalists for softer headlines. Europe demands that Ukraine root out corruption as a condition for EU membership, while simultaneously working overtime to keep a compromised government in power because the alternative might stop the fighting.

    In the end the raids in Brussels and the wiretaps in Kyiv tell the same story. The war has become the single organising principle of European elite power, and everything— institutional integrity, anti-corruption principles, even basic coherence— is subordinated to keeping it going for one more season. The Mogherini case is small change compared to the billions that have flowed through Ukraine’s war economy, but it is a warning shot: the same rot that investigators found in a diplomat-training tender exists on a far larger scale in reconstruction funds, arms procurement, and energy deals.

    Europe wanted to turn Ukraine into a moral crusade. Instead it turned the war into a lifeline for two failing political classes—one in Kyiv, one in Brussels—both now clinging to the same sinking ship. The police raids on 2 December were just the first visible crack. There will be more.