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FCT Minister Unveils Plan for New Nigerian Law School Auditorium

Hauwa Abubakar Anaja
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FCT Minister Unveils Plan for New Nigerian Law School Auditorium

The Minister of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has announced plans for the construction of a new auditorium at the Nigerian Law School, Bwari Campus, to accommodate the growing number of students seeking admission into the institution.

The Minister made the announcement during the official flag-off ceremony for the construction of over 600-bed hostels for male and female students at the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, Abuja Nigeria’s capital.

Wike noted that, the decision to build an additional auditorium followed discussions with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who approved the project after learning of the current facility’s limitations.

According to him, “When I discussed with my son who was recently called to bar, he told me that even with the new hostels, the existing auditorium may not take all the students. I raised this with Mr. President last night, and he directed that another auditorium should be built for the Nigerian Law School”.

The Minister described the gesture as part of President Tinubu’s ongoing commitment to improving legal education in Nigeria.

He noted that “the administration has already undertaken several projects within the institution through the Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.”

“This is leadership at work. In just two years, Mr. President has intervened twice in the affairs of the Nigerian Law School. Each visit has brought tangible development, from staff quarters to student hostels and now, the forthcoming auditorium,” Wike stated.

He emphasised that the hostel project, comprising 316 spaces each for male and female students, fulfills a promise made by President Tinubu in December 2024 to address the school’s acute accommodation shortage.

“When there is good leadership, there is nothing difficult in achieving results. We will ensure this project is completed within 12 months without variation,” Wike promised.

The Minister commended the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fegbemi for his proactive partnership in advancing reforms within the justice sector, including the digitization of FCT High Courts.

He also lauded the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, for his visionary leadership.

“I have never seen a luckier DG. The kind of infrastructural transformation he has brought to the Nigerian Law School is remarkable,” Wike added.

The Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the FCT Minister for their “unprecedented interventions” in legal education.

He described the projects as a true reflection of the Renewed Hope Agenda in action.

“It is an understatement to say I am happy I am elated. This marks the fourth major intervention for the Law School and Council of Legal Education under this administration. What we are seeing today is real leadership that delivers results,” he said.

Prince Fagbemi praised Wike for his enduring contributions to the Nigerian Law School, recalling his previous interventions in Yenagoa and Port Harcourt, where he built what has been described as the best law school campus in the country.

He added that, “From staff quarters to student hostels, every intervention has made teaching and learning easier,” he noted. “This is what true service and responsible governance look like.”

Also speaking, the Director General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Hayatu Chiroma expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, the Attorney-General, and the FCT Minister for their sustained support, noting that the new hostels will significantly ease the accommodation challenges faced by students.

“Today’s flag-off fulfills the promise made to provide 300-bed hostels each for male and female students. This will go a long way in helping the Law School fulfill its mandate,”Professor Chiroma said.

He also acknowledged Wike’s previous contributions to legal education, including the establishment of the Graham Douglas Campus in Port Harcourt, the Yenagoa Campus, and the donation of utility vehicles and staff quarters.

The event, attended by senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Council of Legal Education, and management of the Nigerian Law School, underscored the government’s renewed commitment to improving the infrastructure and learning environment for future legal practitioners.

Niger State, UNICEF, WHO Partner to Improve Adolescent Health

Kamila Bello
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Niger State, UNICEF, WHO Partner to Improve Adolescent Health

The Niger State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the well-being of adolescents.

The collaboration is also to enhance their access to quality physical and mental health services across the state.

Speaking to journalists in Minna, this State Capital, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Primary Health Care, Dr. Mohammed Gana, said the partnership seeks to educate adolescents on reproductive health, personal responsibility, and the importance of utilizing available healthcare services within their communities.

Represented by the Deputy Director of the Community Health Department, Fatima Gogo Muhammad, Dr. Gana described the adolescent health week as an opportunity to highlight the challenges young people face. It is also to create safe spaces where they can freely express themselves, seek help, and receive the right health support from trained professionals.

He emphasized that “the government is committed to promoting responsible behaviour by increasing access to quality health services.”

Dr. Gana also called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, development partners, educators, and parents to ensure effective implementation of adolescent and mental health policies.

The Adolescent Youth Coordinator, Fatima Ahmed, while speaking on this year’s theme: “Thriving Inside and Out: Strengthening Physical and Mental Health,” stressed that adolescence is a critical stage that requires targeted interventions.

She reaffirmed, “The Ministry’s commitment to expanding youth-friendly health services, especially in hard-to-reach communities.”

As part of the activities, UNICEF, WHO, and other stakeholders visited Government Day Science College, Tunga, Minna, where they sensitised students on the importance of prioritizing their mental health.

The event also featured a panel session where speakers urged the government and partners to make mental and physical healthcare more accessible to young people across Niger State.

PDP Refutes Forgery Claim, Reaffirms Readiness for Convention

Dominica Ijeoma Nwabufo
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PDP Refutes Forgery Claim, Reaffirms Readiness for Convention

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed allegations of forgery made by its National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, describing the claims as false and an attempt to derail the party’s forthcoming national convention.

Addressing journalists at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said Senator Anyanwu personally signed all four documents in question during the 102nd meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) held on August 25, 2025.

Ologunagba presented certified true copies of NEC decisions and INEC attendance records showing that Senator Anyanwu attended the 101st and 102nd NEC meetings and was actively involved in the convention planning process.

According to him, “the 101st NEC meeting held on July 24, 2025, approved the timetable for the 2025 elective national convention, while the August 25 meeting witnessed the co-signing of four key letters by Senator Anyanwu in the presence of governors, NWC members, and other party leaders.”

“These letters were signed at the same venue and time, witnessed by prominent leaders including Governors Ahmadu Fintiri, Bala Mohammed, Ademola Adeleke, Seyi Makinde, Dauda Lawal, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki. Nearly 60 days later, Senator Anyanwu suddenly claims forgery. At what point did a document he signed become forged?” Ologunagba said.

He further noted that Senator Anyanwu served as Secretary of the Contact and Mobilisation Subcommittee for the convention, prepared budgets, and signed letters to subcommittee members, adding that the facts remain verifiable.

The PDP said; “it welcomes security agencies’ investigation into the allegations but warned that false claims could attract legal consequences.”

“This is a calculated attempt to derail the convention, but it will not succeed,” Ologunagba stated, stressing that preparations for the November 15–16 convention in Ibadan remain on course.

He also downplayed concerns over recent defections, adding that “the PDP’s strength lies in its grassroots support across the country.”

President Tinubu to Commission Projects at UNILORIN’s 40th Convocation

Hauwa Abubakar Anaja
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President Tinubu to Commission Projects at UNILORIN’s 40th Convocation

Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu will commission seven newly completed projects at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) as part of activities marking the institution’s 40th convocation ceremonies scheduled for October 21 and 22, 2025.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing to herald the convocation.

According to him, the projects include: The Faculty of Social Sciences Building, Lecture halls for the Faculties of Social Sciences and Management Sciences, English Drama Studio for the Faculty of Arts, Renovated Blocks 1–10, Renovated Department of Geography and Environmental Management building, Remodelled and developed UNILORIN Innovation Hub and Technical and Entrepreneurship Centre Road.”

The Vice Chancellor also said that a total of 11,886 students will graduate from the University during this year’s convocation, out of which 316 bagged First Class degrees.

He said; “4,120 students will graduate with Second Class (Upper Division), 5,939 with Second Class (Lower Division), 1,078 with Third Class, while 11 will graduate with Pass degrees.”

Egbewole said the university has continued to maintain its position among the leading institutions in Nigeria, attracting significant research and infrastructural grants.

He also revealed that UNILORIN received ₦2.5 billion from TETFund in 2025, in addition to a Special High Impact Project (SHIP) grant of ₦4 billion for upgrading facilities at the College of Health Sciences and ₦750 million for the construction of a new hostel at the college.

“The award was presented to the university by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, on April 29, 2025,” he said.

Highlighting the University’s research achievements, the Vice Chancellor noted that Dr. Ismail Odetokun, an Associate Professor in the Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, was recently listed among the world’s most cited scholars on Google Scholar with 11,826 citations.

He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and community service, noting that UNILORIN remains a centre of academic distinction in Nigeria.

Nigeria Targets 20,000 Jobs Annually

Hauwa Abubakar Anaja
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Nigeria Targets 20,000 Jobs Annually

The Nigerian government is targeting the creation of at least 20,000 jobs annually through the launch of the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), aimed at connecting high-potential graduates with real-world work experience, training, and mentorship.

To spearhead the initiative in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Vice President Kashim Shettima will on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in Abuja, flag off the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0 and declare open a High-Level Policy Dialogue on Job Creation.

The theme for the fast approaching event is, “From Skills to Jobs and Enterprises: Driving Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship in Key Economic Sectors.”

Ahead of the flag-off, the Vice President, on Monday inaugurated the Project Steering Committee of the NJFP 2.0, with a charge to members to make sure the programme is inclusive, ensuring that the opportunity reaches every part of the country.

The NJFP, a flagship initiative of the government being coordinated by the Office of the Vice President, is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and funded by the European Union (EU).

Launched in 2022 to bridge the gap between skills, jobs, and enterprise, the programme has already empowered over 14,000 young Nigerians through the 12-month paid fellowships that build experience, confidence, and lasting career opportunities.

Inaugurating the Project Steering Committee, the Vice President noted that the goal of the NJFP is to bridge the transition gap between learning and earning for thousands of young graduates with the required education but no job opportunity.

The programme, he said, represents “a deliberate attempt to translate the nation’s demographic strength into productive economic power, demonstrating that when government provides structure, partnership, and purpose, young Nigerians rise to the occasion.”

Maintaining that the NJFP is a Nigerian programme, shaped by national priorities and the nation’s sense of purpose, the VP told members of the committee “to deepen that ownership, strengthen coordination across our institutions, and ensure that NJFP remains accountable to the ambitions of this administration.”

Imploring the committee to work towards tangible outcomes and ensure inclusivity, VP Shettima said, “As we deliberate today, I encourage us to think not in terms of targets or figures alone, but in terms of outcomes that matter; young people whose lives change because this system works as intended.

“We have an opportunity here to demonstrate what partnership done right can achieve: where government leads with clarity, partners contribute with confidence, and results speak for themselves. Therefore, let us approach our work with that understanding.

“In scaling NJFP 2.0, inclusivity must remain at the heart of our design. Our young people are not a homogenous group; they live in different realities across regions, genders, and social backgrounds. We must ensure that this opportunity reaches every corner of the country — and that placements are tied to the sectors that will shape Nigeria’s future: agriculture, digital technology, renewable energy, manufacturing, and the creative industries.”

European Union’s Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, expressed confidence that the programme would transform the lives of young Nigerians, saying the support of the Nigerian government will optimize the full mandate of the NJFP 2.0.

Also, the UNDP Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, described the NJFP 2.0 as a part of a larger national and continental vision which the UNDP is proud to support, noting that the target is to work across Nigeria to build an ecosystem that creates jobs.

She applauded Vice President Shettima for spearheading the initiative, saying what young Nigerians need is investment opportunities and an enabling ecosystem to make use of their skills and expertise.

Kwara Government Launches Digital Land Administration Process

Hauwa Abubakar Anaja
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Kwara Government Launches Digital Land Administration Process

The Kwara State Governor, North Central Nigeria, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has unveiled an automation system which enables applicants to get titles for their land between two weeks and 30 working days — once all conditions have been met.

The Governor announced this at the launch of the Kwara State Geographic Land Information Service (KW-GIS)-based digital land information system, in the state capital, Ilorin.

According to the governor, this marks another bold step in the state’s commitment to innovation, transparency, and efficiency in public service delivery.

“For decades, the process of land administration in many states, including Kwara, has been characterized by manual records, inefficiencies, and delays that discourage investors, slow down property transactions, and create room for abuse.

“Our administration made a decision to change that narrative. The KW-GIS Digital Land Information System represented a complete transformation in how land records are managed in Kwara State. It provides a modern, automated, transparent platform that ensures every parcel of land in the state is digitally captured, documented, and easily retrievable.”

He said the new system eliminates duplication and loss of land records, shortens processing time for C of O and other land documents, enhances revenue generation, and promotes investor confidence by ensuring the certainty and security of land ownership.

He called the launch a milestone in the state’s ease of doing business reforms, urging all stakeholders to embrace the new system.

The event was attended by top government officials at all levels, lawmakers, traditional rulers, captains of industry, trade unionists and market leaders, among others.

Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the Kwara State Ease of Doing Business Council (EODBC), Dr Hauwa Nuru, said the initiative positions the state as a national leader in several World Bank–supported programmes, including NG-CARES, SABER, and the HOPE Program (HOPE EDU, HOPE PHC, and HOPE GOV).

“This outstanding progress is a testament to Your Excellency’s unwavering commitment to institutional reforms, accountability, and sustainable development,” she said.

Dr Nuru commended members of the Council, the KW-GIS team, consultant and technical partners for working tirelessly to bring the vision to life.

Executive Chairman, State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS), Mrs Folashade Omoniyi, said the new system “bridges longstanding gaps in land administration, documentation, and record accuracy by leveraging modern technology to establish a transparent and efficient land management system.”

She said the integration of KW-IRS online payment platform with new land system system further complements the digital advancement.

“Investors, titleholders, and the general public can now register land, process CofO, obtain building approvals, and make all related payments online, seamlessly and transparently reducing bureaucracy and strengthening public trust,” she said.

“In tandem with this progress, the State Government has reviewed and harmonized existing laws governing land administration to align with modern standards. These reforms guarantee clarity, fairness, and efficiency in property rights, title documentation, and investment transactions.”

Executive Chairman, KW-GIS, Alhaji Sulyman Abdulkareem, said the launch of the digital platform is a milestone in the history of land administration.

Speaking on the Kwara Smart City project, Abdulkareem promised to digitize the land and ensure that all necessary documents are archived for future generations, saying this will guide against encroachment.

He also commended AbdulRazaq for approving the release of N560 million as compensation for parts of the land acquired for the Smart City project.

Project Consultant, Dr Paul Adepelumi, said with digitalisation of KW-GIS the administration has set a new national standard, explaining that the digital platform will ease online application for land, make the processing of C of O faster and more efficient, and remove all forms of bottleneck in land administration.

“KWGIS is not just a platform but a revolution. It takes us from files to digital records, from delay to speed, and from opacity to transparency,” he said.

Project Manager for the digital initiative, Engr Ali Muhammad Kalot, said the digital geographic land information service has some features and advantages, including digital parcel mapping and querying, land records integration, generation of revenue, as well as user access and security control, among others.

He said over 200 staff of KW-GIS have been trained and equipped to handle all processes.

“We have scanned more than 1000 layouts. We have also digitised all the plots in our KW-GIS platform, numbering about 20,000 plots. And this is a key achievement of our project,” he said.

Nigeria Woos FAO To Enhance Food Security

Rita Obiora
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Nigeria Woos FAO To Enhance Food Security

Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, says continuous and robust collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations will enhance agricultural productivity and promote sustainable development across the country.

The Minister noted that such partnership would also create more employment opportunities for Nigerian farmers while ensuring food and nutrition security for the nation.

The Minister made this known during a bilateral meeting with the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, Dr. QU Dongyu, on the sidelines of the 2025 World Food Forum (WFF) held recently in Rome, Italy.

Sen. Kyari stated that “the Ministry would strengthen collaboration with FAO in expanding irrigation systems to improve water management and resilience for smallholder farmers and enhance year-round agricultural production.”

He pointed out the need to strengthen agricultural mechanisation initiatives in Nigeria to improve efficiency, productivity, and value addition among rural farming communities.

Sen. Kyari noted the importance of FAO’s support in establishing a comprehensive national farmers’ database to aid policy planning, resource allocation, and programme monitoring.

The Minister restated the request for FAO’s technical and financial support towards the recharge of the Lake Chad Basin, aimed at restoring agribusiness activities, livelihoods, and food security in the region.

He appealed for increased employment opportunities for qualified Nigerians within FAO Headquarters and its global offices, in recognition of the country’s commitment to agricultural transformation and food security.

In his remarks, the Director-General, FAO, Dr. QU Dongyu, reaffirmed FAO’s commitment towards supporting Nigeria’s agricultural priorities and advancing mutual goals of food security, climate resilience, and rural prosperity.

Security Tightened as Protesters Demand Kanu’s Release

Aisha John-Mark
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Security Tightened as Protesters Demand Kanu’s Release

Nigeria’s security agencies effectively protected the lives and property of residents in Abuja during the demonstrations organised by members of the Free Nnamdi Kanu Now movement in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The FCT Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Olusola Odumosu, disclosed that the Corps successfully prevented any acts of destruction, vandalism, or theft of public and private property under the guise of protest.

Business activities were not disrupted, as residents went about their normal routines while government offices remained open. Heightened security measures were observed across central Abuja as demonstrators gathered to demand the release of the detained secessionist leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

According to him, the Corps has massively deployed officers and men to protect all CNAI as well as ensure the protection of residents across the FCT before, during and after the protest.

“We are prepared as always to ensure there are no incidents of destruction of properties or threats to Infrastructure and the peace in the territory.

“The deployed officers and men were drawn from specialised units, including Area Commands and Divisions, and have been properly briefed on the assignment as well as precautions to adhere to during the rally,” he said.

Odumosu said personnel had been warned not to shoot, harass or intimidate any law-abiding citizen, but criminals and vandals trying to hijack the situation will not be condoned.

He further urged the deployed men to be civil by adopting the non-kinetic approach while carrying out the mandates of the corps.

The commandant, however, warned those with the intention of hijacking or disrupting the proposed peaceful protest to desist as anyone caught with criminal intents will be arrested and dealt with according to the extant laws.

He urged all law abiding citizens to go about their normal activities as deployment has been made to strategic locations and identified flash points to maintain peace and order.

Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been standing trial over charges of instigating public disturbances leading to violence in parts of Nigeria’s Southeast region.

 

 

 

Nigerian President Calls for Impartial, Honest Judiciary

Aisha John-Mark
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Nigerian President Calls for Impartial, Honest Judiciary

President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigeria’s judiciary to uphold integrity, impartiality, and independence in the administration of justice.

He made the call in Abuja on Monday, when he declared open the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and National Judicial Institute’s (NJI) joint workshop for Justices and Judges.

President Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the moral foundation of the Nigerian nation rests squarely on the integrity of its judicial system.

“We draw our moral distinction as a people from the judiciary, and we owe it the reverence and autonomy to remain the last sanctuary of our collective conscience,” President Tinubu said.

He stressed that the breakdown of any society begins when those entrusted with interpreting its laws become compromised.

Welfare

The Nigerian leader said his administration is committed to improving the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers, noting that recent remuneration reviews were part of a broader effort to strengthen judicial independence.

The President addressed growing public concerns about delayed adjudication in high-profile corruption cases while cybercrime matters are resolved more swiftly.

“The theme of this year’s workshop, Enhancing Justice in the Fight Against Economic and Financial Crimes, will resonate amongst many in this audience, coming at a time when conversation in the fight against corruption evokes anger over delayed adjudication of high-profile matters while cases involving cybercrime masterminds are determined with dispatch.

“There is also a certain level of consternation over decisions of courts in serious corruption matters that engender feelings that society is being left with the wrong end of the stick,” he said.

Free Hand

President Tinubu defended his administration’s non-interference approach, stating: “There is no person or group who can accuse this administration of shielding political actors on account of their affiliation to this government or the political party. We have allowed both the judiciary and the anti-graft agencies to exercise their constitutional and statutory powers.”

The president highlighted achievements in the anti-corruption drive, revealing that the EFCC “has recorded over seven thousand convictions in the first two years of my administration and recovered assets in excess of five hundred billion naira.”

Social Investment 

He added that the recovered proceeds are being channelled into social investment programmes, including the Students Loan and Consumer Credit Schemes.

Addressing the technological challenges facing the judiciary, President Tinubu noted the evolution from simple email evidence to complex blockchain analysis in financial crime cases.

“How does one do justice in a cryptocurrency fraud case except one is grounded in such matters? Learning and relearning is no longer a buzz phrase but an essential undertaking for continued relevance in this digital age,” he said.

The President reminded judicial officers that corruption affects everyone equally: “Your vantage position on the Bench does not insulate you from the consequences of corruption. There are no special roads, hospitals, or communities for judges.

“A Nigeria free of corruption is possible if we all commit to doing what is right in our respective spheres of influence,” President Tinubu said.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, maintained that the decisions of judicial officers have a profound impact on the growth and stability of Nigeria.

She charged judicial officers to be deliberate in applying the relevant constitutional tools at their disposal while exercising firm control over proceedings.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, represented by the Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Monguno, stressed that while corruption is an enemy of the state, the fight against it requires action from the legislature, a vigilant citizenry, and a courageous judiciary.

He assured that the National Assembly will continue to play its part in equipping law enforcement agencies to combat crime so that corruption finds no place to hide in Nigeria.

The Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, disclosed that the landmark decision of the Supreme Court, which upheld the Commission’s anti-corruption mandate, has further strengthened anti-corruption institutions.

“The record of 4,111 convictions and humongous asset recoveries could not have been achieved by a lazy or ineffective judiciary,” he added.

 

Zelensky Ready to Join Trump-Putin Talks if Invited

Jide Ibitoye
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Zelensky Ready to Join Trump-Putin Talks if Invited

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he would be ready to join Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin at a proposed summit in Hungary if he were invited.

The US and Russian presidents announced on Thursday they planned to hold talks on the war in Ukraine in Budapest, possibly in the coming weeks.

In comments released on Monday, Zelensky told reporters: “If it is an invitation in a format where we meet as three or, as it’s called, shuttle diplomacy… then in one format or another, we will agree.”

Meanwhile, media reports have suggested his White House meeting with Trump on Friday descended into a “shouting match” – with the US side urging Ukraine to accept Russia’s terms to end the war.

Zelensky was guarded during his first press briefing since the talks, but still his comments made clear there were large areas of disagreement between the two sides.

He described the meeting as frank, and said he had told Trump that his main aim was a just peace, not a quick peace.

He criticised Hungary as the location of the prospective Trump-Putin talks, saying the country’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban could not do “anything positive for Ukrainians or even provide a balanced contribution”.

When asked by reporters on Friday if Zelensky would be involved in the meeting in Budapest, Trump said he wanted to “make it comfortable for everybody“.

“We’ll be involved in threes, but it may be separated,” he said, adding the three leaders “have to get together”.

Zelensky had hoped to secure US Tomahawk missiles to strike deep into Russia at the talks, but appeared to walk away empty-handed as Trump struck a non-committal tone on the matter.

Read Also: Trump, Putin to Discuss Ukraine War in Hungary

Zelensky to Seek Missile Aid in Meeting with Trump 

On Monday, media reports suggested the atmosphere at the US and Ukrainian leaders’ meeting had been far more acrimonious than previously understood.

The Financial Times reported Trump warned Zelensky that Putin would “destroy” Ukraine if he did not agree to its terms, citing sources familiar.

The US side was said to have echoed Russian talking points at the “volatile” meeting. It also reported that Trump tossed aside maps of the frontline in Ukraine and insisted Zelensky surrender the entire Donbas region to Putin.

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

Just last month, Trump appeared to take a major shift in his position on ending the war by saying Kyiv could “win all of Ukraine back in its original form”.

He said his position had changed “after getting to know and fully understand the Ukraine/Russia military and economic situation”.

Trump had previously warned the process would likely involve Ukraine giving up some territory – an outcome Zelensky has consistently rejected.

The US president has been pressuring Nato nations, as well as China and India, to stop purchasing Russian oil in a bid to create further economic pressure on Moscow to end the conflict.

He also previously threatened Russia with tougher sanctions if Putin did not meet deadlines to make progress in ending the war, though he did not follow through with those threats.

Trump’s public relations with Zelensky had also vastly improved in recent months, most notably from an Oval Office meeting in February when he and Vice-President JD Vance berated the Ukrainian president on live television.

During his re-election campaign, Trump claimed he would be able to end the war in Ukraine within days but has since admitted resolving the conflict has been more challenging than any he has been involved in since returning to office.

 

 

BBC/Jide Johnson.

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