Politics
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy says he is ready to hold direct talks with Putin
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasised his willingness to negotiate directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as long as that would be the only format which could “bring peace to the citizens of Ukraine and not lose people.”
When asked during the interview with British journalist Piers Morgan how he felt about potentially sitting opposite Putin at a negotiating table, Zelenskyy said, “If that is the only set-up in which we can bring peace to the citizens of Ukraine and not lose people, definitely we will go for this set-up.”
He later said, without specifying who, that any such talks would be with four participants. In an earlier interview over the weekend, however, he said that he “would like to see the United States of America, Ukraine and the Russians at the negotiating table… And, to be honest, a European Union voice should also be there.”
Any such conversation would need to happen after a meeting between himself and US President Donald Trump, Zelenskyy remarked at the time.
Referring to Vladimir Putin, Zelenskyy said, “I will not be kind to him, I consider him an enemy. To be honest, I think he considers me an enemy, too.”
In Tuesday’s interview, the Ukrainian president admitted that his country is likely to lose at least some of the territory that has been taken by Russia since its invasion began in February 2022.
In a sharp criticism of Ukraine’s backers in the war, Zelenskyy lamented that “regrettably, the support that is provided by our partners is insufficient to push Putin fully out of our territories.”
Nevertheless, he pointed to NATO membership as Ukraine’s best chance to end the war and guarantee the country’s security.
In the interview, Zelenskyy estimated Ukraine’s war dead to be at 45,100 with 390,000 injured. He claimed Russia had suffered 350,000 deaths and 700,000 injuries.
US President Donald Trump, whose future actions will be key to determining the outcome of the war, said during a press conference on Tuesday that the US is “talking to the Russians, we’re talking to the Ukrainian leadership.” He did not provide further details.
Last week, Putin said Russia would be “open” to peace talks, but shifted the blame, saying there was no willingness on its part to solve legal issues. He also described Zelenskyy as “not legitimate” to lead any potential talks, and ruled out speaking with him directly, saying he would “allocate appropriate people” to take part in negotiations.
The governments of Abia and Imo States have announced the launching of a joint security taskforce and surveillance along the Aba-Owerri expressway, starting from Owerrinta in Abia State all the way to Owerri, Imo State.
The launch followed recent attacks by criminals on the expressway, including kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities.
The formation of the joint security taskforce and surveillance was announced by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity.
His statement read in part: “Arising from a strategic emergency security meeting held today, 4th December, 2025, by the Governors of Abia and Imo Sates at the Imo State Government Owerri House, His Excellency Governor Alex Otti and His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma resolved to set up a joint security Taskforce that shall consist of Soldiers, Naval Personnel, Police Officers , DSS Personnel, and other Government Security Agencies.
“The joint security Taskforce shall, starting from tomorrow 5th December 2025, patrol the road 24 hours nonstop, while carrying out massive surveillance in the surrounding bushes using sophisticated drones and other modern security equipment.”
According to the statement, Governor Alex Otti commended the Governor of Imo State for arresting the criminals who carried out an attack on His advanced team and other passengers a few days ago.
“The two Governors, while assuring citizens plying the road on a daily basis and those returning home for Christmas of their safety and security, warn that there would be severe consequences for any criminal caught on the road going forward”, Ekeoma concluded.
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted to the senate two lists of 34 career and 31 non career ambassadors nominees for screening and confirmation.
Prominent names listed as non career ambassadors include Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, Victor Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Also listed as non career ambassadors nominees are Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Vice Admiral Ete Ibas, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator Nora Daduut, Fatima Ajimobi, and Senator Ita Enang among others.
The two lists brings to 68 number of persons nominated so far as ambassadors awaiting confirmation by the Senate.
Politics
PRESIDENT TINUBU FORWARDS NEW AMBASSADORIAL LIST TO SENATE, NOMINATES DAMBAZAU, IBAS, CHIOMA OHAKIM AND OTHERS
By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
4-DEC- 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted a fresh set of ambassadorial nominations to the Senate, featuring a mix of distinguished public figures and seasoned professionals drawn from across the country.
Among the notable nominees are former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau; former Chief of Naval Staff and immediate past sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas; former senator Ita Enang; and Mrs. Chioma Ohakim, former First Lady of Imo State.
The President formally transmitted two comprehensive lists containing 34 career and 31 non-career ambassadorial nominees, bringing the total number of nominees awaiting Senate confirmation to 68.
The newly submitted lists mark another significant step in the administration’s ongoing diplomatic restructuring, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s representation and presence across global missions.
The Senate is expected to commence screening and confirmation proceedings in the coming days.
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