Foreign
Zelensky’s Remarks on NATO and Putin’s Influence.
On Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made notable comments regarding the dynamics between Ukraine, NATO, and Russia during a conversation with former U.S. President Donald Trump. Zelensky asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin harbors fear of Trump, a statement he delivered with a hint of irony: “I told Trump that Putin is afraid of him and he heard me. And now Putin knows.”
Zelensky further emphasized the significant role that Putin appears to play within NATO, suggesting that his influence can obstruct the alliance’s decisions. “Right now, the most influential member of NATO seems to be Putin – because his whims have the power to block NATO decisions,” he stated. This assertion comes in light of recent comments from Trump’s administration, which characterized Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations as unrealistic.
The Ukrainian president underscored the necessity of Ukraine’s involvement in any peace negotiations with Russia, declaring, “Ukraine will never accept deals made behind our backs without our involvement.” He extended this sentiment to all of Europe, advocating for a unified approach in decision-making processes that affect the continent.
In response to Zelensky’s remarks, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stressed the urgency for Europe to devise a strategic plan regarding Ukraine, warning that failure to act could allow other global players to dictate the region’s future. “This plan must be prepared now. There’s no time to lose,” Tusk asserted in a recent post on social media.
Zelensky’s statements highlight the intricate interplay of power within NATO and the pressing need for a cohesive European strategy in the face of ongoing geopolitical challenges.
Niger has announced plans to nationalize the Somair uranium mine, currently operated by French nuclear firm Orano. This decision marks a further departure from France, Niger’s former colonial power, and a potential realignment with Russia. The military government, in power since a 2023 coup, accuses Orano of unfairly benefiting from the mine’s output since its launch in 1971. Orano, which holds a 63% stake in Somair, disputes the allegations and has threatened legal action, citing a “systematic policy of stripping mining assets.” This move follows Niger’s earlier removal of Orano’s operational control over key mines in the country. The nationalization reflects a broader trend in West Africa, with Mali and Burkina Faso also pursuing similar policies under military rule. The situation is further complicated by existing arbitration processes between Orano and Niger, including a recent lawsuit filed by Orano.
On Monday 16 June 2025, the Nigeria Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla (Admiralty Medal) commenced a 3-day working visit to Denmark. The working visit which is at the instance of the Danish Navy aims to strengthen cooperation between both navies.
The visit saw the CNS take a short boat trip with the Admiral of the Danish Navy, Rear Admiral Søren Kjeldsen. In the company of the CNS was Ambassador T. A. Elias-Fatile, CDAai/Head of Mission, Embassy of Nigeria, in Sweden and the Nordic countries, the Navy Secretary, Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu and Nigeria’s Defence Adviser to London, Brigadier General Manu.
Other engagements on the first day of the working visit was a meeting with the CEO of Blue Denmark and a discussion session with the Denmark Ministry of Defence’s Centre for Security and Operations.
Below are some pictures that was taken :
Atlanta-based rapper Silento, known for his viral hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm. The sentencing follows his confession to fatally shooting his cousin, Frederick Rooks III, in January 2021.
DeKalb County Police discovered Rooks with multiple gunshot wounds. Investigations revealed that Silento and Rooks were last seen together in a white BMW SUV, which was later captured on security footage fleeing the scene after the shooting.
Prior to the incident, Silento’s PR manager, Chanel Hudson, stated that the rapper had been struggling with mental health issues for several years. In 2020, he was also charged with assault for allegedly attacking two people with a hatchet. Silento himself acknowledged his struggles with mental health in a 2019 interview, stating, “I have been fighting demons my whole life.”
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