China has warned the European Union against sanctioning its companies, following Brussels' proposal for new measures targeting firms allegedly supporting Russia's military in Ukraine. The EU's latest sanctions aim to complicate commercial activities by companies in third countries. The 27-member bloc has previously sanctioned Chinese firms for alleged support to Russia's military industrial complex. These new sanctions require unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states. Officials indicated that the measures include adding 14 companies from mainland China and Hong Kong to a list of firms banned from purchasing EU goods. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated that Beijing "has always firmly opposed illegal unilateral sanctions that lack basis in international law" and has urged the EU to correct its practices. Lin warned that China would "closely follow" developments and "take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests." China maintains it is a neutral party in the Ukraine war and does not provide lethal assistance to either side. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas noted on social media that the latest package represents the "largest set of listings in over two years," focusing on the financial sector, energy, and drone production.
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Chelsea Football Club has announced that four players will leave the team when their contracts conclude on June 30, 2026. The club confirmed this decision in a statement released on its X handle on Wednesday, detailing the retained and released list for the end of the 2025/26 season. Defender Brodi Hughes, who spent 13 years in the Academy and was on loan at AFC Wimbledon, will depart. Richard Olise, a decade-long club member who joined as an Under-9 and was part of the first-team squad for a UEFA Conference League trip, is also leaving. Midfielder Sam Rak-Sakyi, an Academy product who made four first-team appearances, including his debut in the UEFA Conference League, will also move on. Jimi Tauriainen, who joined in 2020 and made his first-team debut in an FA Cup tie and later in the Premier League, is the fourth player to leave. Striker Ronnie Stutter, however, will transition to a month-to-month contract. Chelsea expressed gratitude to all departing players for their contributions and extended best wishes for their future careers.
Must ReadUS President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Iran has taken too long to negotiate a deal regarding the conflict in the Middle East and will now "have to pay the price." This statement, made on his Truth Social platform where he also claimed the Iranian military has been "completely defeated," follows an exchange of fire between the United States and Iran, which strained an April ceasefire. Trump's remarks on Wednesday contrast with his comments to reporters on Tuesday, when he suggested that negotiations for an enduring settlement to end the war were in their "final throes" and could conclude within "two or three days." Late on Tuesday, US forces conducted strikes against Iran in retaliation for an American helicopter being shot down on Monday. Iranian media reported explosions along its southern coast. US Central Command later stated that the US Air Force and Navy had command and control, defense, and surveillance stations. Iran, in turn, reported attacking American bases in Jordan and Bahrain on Wednesday.

The Nigeria Immigration Service NIS has bolstered border security through the deployment of advanced technology and increased surveillance to combat irregular migration and migrant smuggling. Mr. Akinsola Akinlabi, the Service Public Relations Officer, stated that the NIS has achieved significant success in detecting and preventing illegal movement across land borders, attributing this to sustained border patrol operations and surveillance mechanisms. Border officers have intercepted irregular migrants, often reuniting them with their families, and these efforts have reduced the number of people using land routes for irregular migration. The NIS's Border Surveillance Architecture monitors difficult and remote terrains, identifying frequently used routes for irregular migration and strategically deploying assets. Inbound irregular migrants are often returned to their countries of origin. Akinlabi noted that irregular migration is a complex societal issue requiring collective action. He highlighted that a major obstacle is the lack of public awareness regarding the risks of irregular migration. Under the leadership of Comptroller General Kemi Nandap, the service is investing in public enlightenment campaigns and stakeholder engagements to discourage such journeys. Technology is a key component of the NIS's long-term strategy, enabling monitoring of inaccessible areas. The NIS, with the Ministry of Interior's support, has completed the first phase of its e-Border Solution projec