Zelensky meets allies in UK after strike hits Ukraine nuclear site
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Britain for defense talks with leaders from the UK, France, and Germany, following new Russian strikes that killed five people and impacted a nuclear site in Ukraine. Zelensky met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street and was also scheduled to meet French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The Ukrainian President stated the talks would focus on defense, air defense cooperation for European security, and diplomatic prospects, emphasizing Europe's role in negotiations. He also plans to meet King Charles III. Kyiv is seeking more ammunition for anti-air defenses and ways to pressure Russia to end the conflict. On Sunday, Russian drone attacks damaged a nuclear storage facility near Chernobyl, though radiation levels remained normal. Ukraine's nuclear energy operator, Energoatom, reported the fuel reception building was partially destroyed. Moscow and Kyiv have increased drone strikes amidst stalled diplomatic efforts. Russian leader Vladimir Putin has rejected direct peace talks. Zelensky noted Russia used an Iranian-designed Shahed drone in the Chernobyl exclusion zone attack. The International Atomic Energy Agency is sending a team to inspect the damage. The facility, located about 12 kilometers from the 1986 Chernobyl disaster site, stores spent fuel from Ukraine's active nuclear plants. Both sides accused each other of renewed civilian attacks, with Russian bombardments killing
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Former Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana has voiced his disappointment regarding his omission from Nigeria’s squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Sixteen years later, Olofinjana stated that he was never informed of the reason for his exclusion, despite playing a significant role in the qualifying campaign, including captaining the national team in several matches. He earned 48 caps for Nigeria between 2000 and 2011. Speaking on the PlayZone podcast, the former Hull City midfielder mentioned that neither the coaching staff nor the Nigeria Football Federation contacted him to explain the decision. While acknowledging that no player has an automatic right to a national team spot, Olofinjana expected communication given his contributions. He reflected on the privilege and significance of representing Nigeria, stating he always wore the national colors with great pride.
Air Peace and Etihad Airways have signed an interline agreement to enhance connectivity across Nigeria and West and Central Africa. This partnership will allow passengers to access more destinations with a single ticket. The agreement opens 20 destinations across Nigeria, West, and Central Africa to Etihad Airways’ passengers, while Air Peace customers will be able to connect to Abu Dhabi via Etihad’s Lagos and Accra services once they commence. Etihad passengers can travel beyond Lagos and Accra to Air Peace’s domestic and regional destinations, including Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Enugu, Benin City, Owerri, Warri, Asaba, Abidjan, Dakar, Banjul, Freetown, Monrovia, Conakry, Bamako, Douala, and Libreville. This collaboration supports Etihad’s African expansion, which includes a planned daily service between Abu Dhabi and Lagos. Arik De, Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer of Etihad Airways, stated that Nigeria is central to their long-term ambitions in Africa. Nowel Ngala, Chief Commercial Officer of Air Peace, highlighted that the agreement extends their goal of opening doors for Nigerian and West African travelers. Combined journeys will be bookable on both airlines’ platforms once the agreement takes effect. This marks another international partnership for Air Peace, following agreements with Turkish Airlines and Emirates, as it continues to expand its global reach and aims to position Lagos as a major regional aviation hub.
The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau NSIB and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority NCAA have initiated discussions to enhance cooperation in supporting victims of aircraft accidents and their families. This move aims to align Nigeria's emergency response framework with international aviation standards. The discussions, held in Abuja, involved the National Family Assistance Committee, coordinated by the NSIB, and NCAA officials. Both agencies focused on improving institutional coordination, building capacity, and implementing Family Assistance programs within Nigeria's aviation sector. Funke Arowojobe, NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, stated that the engagement with the NCAA sought to strengthen collaboration on aviation disaster victim and family assistance. Discussions covered the objectives of the Family Assistance Programme, the International Civil Aviation Organisation ICAO policy on assistance to aircraft accident victims and their families, and the roles of both NSIB and NCAA. Michael Achimugu, NCAA's Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the need for continuous training and retraining of personnel. Both agencies identified practical areas for collaboration, including joint capacity-building programs, knowledge sharing, and stakeholder sensitization, to establish clearer institutional procedures for supporting families affected by aviation accidents.