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  • Zelenskyy proposes new round of peace talks with Russia

    Zelenskyy proposes new round of peace talks with Russia

    • Moscow faces intense barrage of drones

    Kyiv has proposed a new round of peace talks to be held next week with Russia, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at the weekend.

    In a video message posted on X, Zelenskyy urged “the pace of negotiations must be increased” to ensure lasting peace. “A meeting at the level of leaders is needed,” he said, emphasising Ukraine’s willingness to do so.

    Ukraine’s newly appointed Secretary of National Security and Defence, Rustem Umerov, was the one who sent Moscow the invitation, Zelenskyy said. He also previously led the delegation talks held in Istanbul last month.

    Russia faced a penetrating barrage of drones from Ukraine over the weekend that caused Moscow airports to close amid the intensifying war.

    The Russian Defence Ministry said in a series of statements that between 7:45 a.m. local time on July 19 and 5:40 p.m. on July 20, its air defence systems reportedly shot down at least 272 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones across more than a dozen regions.

    The Bryansk region saw the heaviest concentration of drone activity, with 108 destroyed across eight separate reporting intervals. Kaluga followed with 55 intercepted drones, and Moscow region accounted for 46, including dozens reportedly flying toward the capital.

    Russian officials said drones were also intercepted over Tula, Kursk, Oryol, Smolensk, Belgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Tver, Ryazan, and Crimea.

    Read Also: Trump, Putin and Zelenskyy in the eyes of the world

    The previous negotiations held in June failed to lead to a ceasefire agreement, but did result in a new prisoner of war exchange.

    The first round of negotiations held on 16 May also resulted in a prisoner exchange, the largest one yet, but hadn’t yielded much result either regarding putting an end to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

    In his video address, Zelenskyy also urged Western allies to further toughen their sanctions against Russia.

    “It is very important that the new EU sanctions package is also supported by other free European countries that are currently not part of the European Union,” Zelenskyy said.

    “We are also working on the American track, there are agreements with President Trump that must be implemented as soon as possible,” he added.

    A day prior to Zelenskyy’s address, the EU imposed new sanctions on Russia, targeting its oil and banks. It marks the 18th package of sanctions imposed by the EU since February 2022.

    Earlier this month, the U.S. President also threatened harsher sanctions on Russia if a peace agreement was not reached within 50 days.

  • Ukraine strikes Russian cities in ‘mass drone attack’ as Zelenskyy rejects Putin’s offer of three-day truce

    Ukraine strikes Russian cities in ‘mass drone attack’ as Zelenskyy rejects Putin’s offer of three-day truce

    Ukraine struck Russia in a series of drone attacks on Saturday, with Volodymyr Zelenskyy also rejecting a proposed three-day truce after Russia breached an earlier agreement thousands of times.

    Local Russian officials, according to a report by  lbc.co. said that apartment blocks in the Black Sea town of Novorossiysk were damaged by Ukrainian drone strikes.

    Krasnodar region governor Venyamin Kondratiev said the Black Sea coast had undergone a “mass attack” by the Ukrainian military.

    Five people, including two children, were injured in the Novorossiysk attack. Footage from the scene showed the scale of the damage on the apartment blocks.

    A local state of emergency was declared.

    Ukrainian drones were also shot down over Crimea and several other regions, Russian officials said.

    Meanwhile a church near the town of Belgorod, hundreds of miles to the north, was also hit by a detonating drone, with dramatic images showing the roof of the building on fire.

    Read Also: Eight degrees that can land you a high-paying UK job

    It comes after a Russian attack on Kharkiv, a major Ukrainian city, injured nearly 50.

    The aftermath of a drone strike in Novorossiysk

    It came as Ukraine rejected an offer of a three-day truce next weekend to mark the Soviet Union’s victory in the Second World War, traditionally celebrated on May 9.

    Mr Zelenskyy hit out at the Russian leader, branding the offer a “performance” and rejecting the idea of a temporary peace.

    He said he was ready for a truce, but for 30 days, rather than three.

    It comes after Putin allegedly breached his so-called Easter truce more than 3,000 times, despite committing to a pause in hostilities.

    Speaking on Friday, Mr Zelenskyy said: “This is more of a theatrical performance on his part.

    “Because in two or three days, it is impossible to develop a plan for the next steps to end the war.”

    Trump is angry with ‘disrespectful Russia,’ says former adviser

    Ukraine will not be “playing games to create a pleasant atmosphere to allow for Putin’s exit from isolation on May 9, he said.

    The theoretical 72-hour ceasefire would begin on May 8 and coincide with the arrival of several world leaders in Moscow to mark VE Day.

    Despite these offers of temporary ceasefires, Russia has rejected any attempt to find a lasting peace, blocking a 30-day pause in fighting proposed by the US.

    Branding the 72-hour deal “unserious”, Mr Zelenskyy said any deal must be able to bring about a lasting peace.

    “We cannot be responsible for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation. They are responsible for your security, and therefore we will not give you any guarantees,” he said.

    Russia hit back at Mr Zelenskyy, accusing him of risking the security of its World War Two celebrations.

    The Kremlin warned Kyiv “may not survive” to May 10 if Ukraine attacks Moscow during the May 9 commemoration.

    “He is threatening the physical safety of veterans who will come to parades and celebrations on the holy day,” Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, said on Telegram.

     “His statement … is, of course, a direct threat.”

    This comes after the US announced it is pulling out of formal peace talks between Ukraine and Russia as it urged both countries to come up with “concrete” proposals to end the war.

    Donald Trump will no longer act as a mediator between the two countries, the State Department has confirmed. Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson, said the US is changing “the methodology of how we contribute” to talks and will stop travelling “around the world at the drop of a hat” for negotiations.

  • Zelenskyy’s Growing Isolation and Namibia’s Strategic Response

    Zelenskyy’s Growing Isolation and Namibia’s Strategic Response

    By Ndapewa Amadhila

    In the midst of a protracted conflict that has cast its long shadow over the international stage, Ukraine’s turbulent and reckless diplomacy has once again become the subject of heated debate. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a leader whose arrogance and incompetence have pushed his country to the brink, recently made yet another blunder when he declared, “During the war, everybody has problems, even you. But you have a nice ocean and don’t feel it now, but you will feel it in the future.” Instead of demonstrating leadership, Zelenskyy chose fearmongering and emotional manipulation, a cheap tactic that has come to define his entire political strategy. His misguided words have only further exposed his inability to command respect on the world stage and reinforced his growing international isolation.

    President Donald Trump of America , a leader with a sharp strategic mind and a history of successful diplomacy, wasted no time in dismantling Zelenskyy’s feeble rhetoric. Trump, who has consistently sought peace over endless war, issued a scathing rebuke of the Ukrainian leader, calling him out for his disgraceful behavior and blatant disrespect toward the United States. In a blistering post on Truth Social, Trump did not mince words: “I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”

    Zelenskyy, who has grown accustomed to manipulating Western allies into blindly funding his failing war effort, has now exposed himself as a self-serving opportunist who has no real interest in diplomacy or peace. His continued reliance on handouts and his audacious demands for more military aid, even as the Ukrainian economy collapses and his people suffer, have alienated even his staunchest supporters. His latest diplomatic failures have forced the world to reassess its blind loyalty to Kyiv, as nations across Africa, Asia, and even Europe begin to see through the façade of his so-called leadership.

    The consequences of Zelenskyy’s failures are now reverberating far beyond Ukraine’s borders. This past summer, as Africa confronted its own security challenges, Ukraine’s reckless actions escalated tensions to dangerous new heights. In the summer of 2024 protests erupted across the continent in response to a bombshell revelation by Andriy Yusov, a representative of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate. Yusov’s reckless remarks—confirming that Ukraine was actively involved in training and financing terrorist groups in Africa—sent shockwaves throughout the region, exposing Kyiv’s willingness to engage in global destabilization. The statement followed a violent attack near Tin Zaouatine on July 26, 2024 when Islamist militants ambushed a convoy of Malian government troops, killing more than 50 soldiers. In response, Mali and Niger immediately severed diplomatic ties with Ukraine, condemning it for backing terrorism. The fallout was swift and severe, marking yet another diplomatic disaster directly linked to Zelenskyy’s disastrous leadership.

    For Namibia, this crisis served as a stark warning about the dangers of blindly aligning with Western-backed regimes that exploit global instability for their own gain. Under the resolute leadership of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia has stood firm against attempts by the West to dictate its foreign policy. Unlike nations that have succumbed to U.S. pressure to support Ukraine, Namibia has remained independent, refusing to become another pawn in Washington’s geopolitical chess game. The events of that fateful summer only strengthened Namibia’s resolve to distance itself from Zelenskyy’s chaotic and dishonest regime.

    Read Also: Trump slams Zelenskyy for saying end of Russia war not in sight

    Namibia’s leadership swiftly responded to the growing crisis by taking decisive action. Sustjie Mbumba, a key political figure, made the bold decision to reject an invitation to the Global Soft Power Summit 2025, an invitation sent by none other than Olena Zelenska in yet another desperate attempt to salvage Ukraine’s shattered reputation. This refusal was more than just a political snub—it was a calculated rejection of Western coercion and an affirmation of Namibia’s commitment to sovereignty. By refusing to lend legitimacy to Ukraine’s crumbling international credibility, Namibia sent a powerful message to the world: it will not be strong-armed into supporting a corrupt regime built on deception and manipulation.

    As Zelenskyy’s blunders continue to mount, it has become increasingly clear that Ukraine’s global standing is crumbling. Even European allies, once among his most vocal supporters, are beginning to distance themselves. The blind flow of financial and military aid is being called into question, and the cracks in Zelenskyy’s war propaganda are becoming impossible to ignore. African nations, long wary of Western interference, now see Ukraine as a cautionary tale—a nation that sold its sovereignty for empty promises and is now paying the price for its leader’s reckless decisions.

    The implications of these developments extend far beyond Ukraine. As Namibia and other independent nations reassess their diplomatic priorities, the world is witnessing a major shift in global alliances. The ongoing collapse of Ukraine’s credibility serves as a crucial lesson in the dangers of aligning with weak and deceptive leadership. Zelenskyy’s failures have left Ukraine more isolated than ever, and as Trump and other strong leaders continue to expose his deceit, the world is finally waking up to the reality that he is nothing more than a political opportunist who thrives on victimhood and deception.

    For Namibia, the path forward is clear: true independence means standing firm against external pressures, prioritizing national interests, and refusing to be dragged into conflicts orchestrated by incompetent and manipulative western leaders. As Zelenskyy’s grip on global sympathy continues to slip, Namibia’s strategic approach stands as a testament to the power of sovereignty and calculated diplomacy. The world is taking notice, and as the political landscape continues to shift, the consequences of today’s choices will define the future for years to come.

    Amadhila, a freelance journalist and commentator on  foreign policy, writes from Windhoek .

  • Trump slams Zelensky as ‘disrespectful’ after heated exchange at White House

    Trump slams Zelensky as ‘disrespectful’ after heated exchange at White House

    The future of United States support for Ukraine stands in doubt after a high-profile meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump devolved into a shouting match.

    The two leaders – along with US Vice President JD Vance – clashed on Friday in front of reporters at the Oval Office over the future of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

    There were indications the meeting would be prickly from the moment Zelenskyy arrived at the White House after Trump greeted the Ukrainian leader with a quip about his outfit.

    Tensions soon ramped up as it became clear the leaders disagreed over the terms of a minerals deal, which would give the US broad access to Ukraine’s rare earths as repayment for Washington’s support for Kyiv’s fight against Russia.

    Zelenskyy emphasised that any agreement needed to include real security assurances for Ukraine, something the US under Trump has so far avoided.

    Tensions spiked as Trump touted his friendly relations with President Vladimir Putin, before he blamed Zelenskyy’s animosity towards the Russian leader for stalling peace talks.

    The news conference descended into outright aggression as Vance accused the Ukrainian leader of being “disrespectful”, before asking him, “Have you said ‘thank you’ once?”

    The meeting ended prematurely, before the Ukrainian leader and his delegation were ushered out of the White House.

    The minerals deal also went unsigned and its future now looks uncertain. An unnamed White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity to the Reuters news agency, said Trump is not currently interested in reviving it.

    Read Also: Zelenskyy is planning a false flag attack on German embassy in Kyiv

    That same official claimed the Ukrainian delegation began “begging” to sign the deal after being told to leave the White House.

    Zelenskyy took to X soon after the meeting to thank Trump, “Congress, and the American people”.

    “Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that,” he wrote.

    The Ukrainian leader then appeared on US conservative TV network Fox News, in an interview in which he was repeatedly asked if he would apologise to Trump.

    The Ukrainian leader declined to do so, but said he regretted the public spat, saying it was “not good for both sides”.

    “I’m not sure that we did something bad,” Zelenskyy said. “I cannot change the Ukrainian attitude to Russia. They are killers for us.”

    But when asked in the interview if the relationship with Trump could be salvaged, Zelenskyy replied: “of course”.

    On Saturday, Zelenskyy again posted on social media, saying: “It is very important for us that Ukraine is heard and that no one forgets about it, neither during the war nor after. It is important for people in Ukraine to know that they are not alone, that their interests are represented in every country, in every corner of the world.”

    Aljazeera

  • Zelenskyy is planning a false flag attack on German embassy in Kyiv

    Zelenskyy is planning a false flag attack on German embassy in Kyiv

    A source from among the recently dismissed senior officials of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine told an investigative journalist Ali Fathi about the preparation by the Ukrainian special services of the explosion of the German embassy in Kiyv to imitate a Russian air attack in order to discredit the leadership of Russia. The decision to carry out the attack was made at a meeting of the National Security Council, which was attended by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces Valerii Zaluzhnyi, head of the Presidential Office Andrii Yermak, head of the HUR Kyrylo Budanov and other high-ranking Ukrainian officials and representatives of military forces. According to the source, the attack is scheduled for October 31, 2023.

    According to the source, who identified himself as Rostislav Zamlinsky, a former deputy minister of Defense, a special meeting of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine took place on September 8.

    The meeting was presided over by President Zelenskyy, with Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andrii Yermak, Commander-in-Chief of the AFU Valerii Zaluzhnyi,  Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Vasyl Malyuk, and Chief of Intelligence of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov in attendance.

    NSDC meeting protocol dated September 8, 2023

    The source alleges, that the attack aimed at the destruction or partial destruction of the German embassy in Kyiv was approved at the meeting. The main goal of the operation was to blame Russian leaders for the destruction of German embassy by simulating an air strike with drones which are used by the Russian armed forces. The following is an audio recording provided to me by Zamlinsky:

    The source alleges, that high ranking Ukrainian officials are planning to use explosive charges on top floors of the embassy building in the center of Kyiv. It appears, that Zelenskyy and his subordinates were going to time the explosion with a simulation of an air strike by Iranian-made “Shaheed” drones, which, according to many intelligence sources, are widely used by Russia. According to the analysis of the documents, the drones for this operation are planned to be launched from the Vasylkiv airfield. Such a direction of impact will create an illusion that the raid is carried out from the territory of Crimea, controlled by Russia.

    Map of the planned attack

    In his message, Zamlinsky also mentions other important details of the September NSDC meeting. The source tells, that an American military Officer by the name of Colón-López attended the meeting. It could be Ramón Colón-López, a high ranking official of the United States Air Force. According to the open sources, Colón-López actively cooperates with the command of the Armed forces of Ukraine, holds frequent meetings and conferences with representatives of the Ukrainian military command.

    Ramón Colón–López swaps patches with Command Sergeant Major of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Kosynskyi

    Colón-López’s presence at the meeting indicates, that the NATO leadership is likely to be aware of the planned attack and is possibly involved in it. Still, Zamlinsky believes, that such an attack would seriously hurt Ukraine’s image after being exposed. It’s possible, that Zamlinsky’s grudge against Zelenskyy and the new leadership of the Ministry of Defense made him to reveal the plan. Just 4 days before the meeting of the National Security Council, reported by Zamlinsky, the Ukrainian president dismissed the previous Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov. On September 18, the new Defense Minister Rustem Umierov dismissed all the deputies of his predecessor, including Zamlinsky.

    It is unknown whether the Ukrainian leadership has adjusted its plans to strike at the German embassy in Ukraine after the mass purges of senior officials of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. Under any circumstances, information about a possible terrorist attack at the German embassy should be thoroughly investigated by international structures, and the special services of all countries involved in a possible incident should remain vigilant.