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Worldnews

Trump Accuses Ukraines Zelenskyy Of Harming Russia Negotiations

US president claims a peace deal is close, but accuses Ukrainian leader of making ‘inflammatory statements’. US President Donald Trump has lashed out at Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing the Ukrainian leader of making “very harmful” statements after he pushed back on ceding occupied Crimea to Russia in a potential peace deal. President Zelenskyy on Tuesday ruled out the idea of Ukraine ceding territory to Russia in any deal before talks on Wednesday in London among US, European and Ukrainian officials. “There is nothing to talk about – it is our land, the land of the Ukrainian people,” Zelenskyy said. His comments came after US media reports that the Trump administration was ready to accept recognition of annexed land in Crimea as Russian territory. In a post on the Truth Social platform on Wednesday, Trump accused Zelenskyy of stoking tension by “boasting” that Kyiv would not legally recognise ceding Crimea to Russia. “This statement is very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia,” Trump said, adding that Russia invaded the Crimean Peninsula and annexed it back in 2014 “without a shot being fired”. “It’s inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy’s that makes it so difficult to settle this War,” Trump said. “He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country.” Earlier, US Vice President JD Vance told reporters in India that the US has “issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and the Ukrainians”. “It’s time for them to either say ‘yes’, or for the United States to walk away from this process,” he added. Vance said land swaps would be fundamental to any deal. “That means the Ukrainians and the Russians are both going to have to give up some of the territory they currently own,” he added. In London, the US, Ukrainian and European officials held “substantive” truce talks despite US Secretary of State Marco Rubio cancelling his trip. Rubio’s no-show on Wednesday prompted a broader meeting with foreign ministers from Ukraine, the UK, France and Germany to be replaced by discussions at an official level, underscoring the tension between Washington, Kyiv and its European allies over Russia’s war in Ukraine. Zelenskyy said the talks had been marked by emotions and expressed hope that future joint work would lead to peace. “Emotions have run high today. But it is good that 5 countries met to bring peace closer,” he wrote on the X social media platform. “The American side shared its vision. Ukraine and other Europeans presented their inputs.” Trump’s Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg said talks with Zelenskyy’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak were positive. “It’s time to move forward on President Trump’s UKR-RU war directive: stop the killing, achieve peace, and put America First,” he said in a statement on X. A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer played down any disappointment over Rubio’s abrupt cancellation, saying the talks involved “substantive technical meetings with European, US and Ukrainian officials on how to stop the fighting” triggered by Russia’s 2022 invasion. “We remain absolutely committed to securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, and these talks today are an important part of that,” the spokesperson said. A foreign office spokesperson said “all agreed to continue their close coordination and looked forward to further talks soon.” At the heart of Wednesday’s talks was an attempt to establish what Kyiv can possibly accept after Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff presented proposals that appeared to demand more concessions from Ukraine than Russia. Reuters reported that several sources said Witkoff’s proposals included recognising Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, Washington beginning to lift sanctions on Russia and ruling out Ukrainian membership of NATO. Al Jazeera’s Zein Basravi, reporting from Kyiv, said Ukrainians found the US stance “simply unacceptable”. “Ukraine’s position is that it boggles the mind that … the US would ask an ally to give up sovereign territory of its own after an invasion,” he said. Mattia Nelles, who heads the German-Ukrainian Bureau think tank in Dusseldorf, told Al Jazeera that Europe now finds itself in the position of drawing red lines and trying to prevent Ukraine from being “thrown under the bus”. What was particularly worrisome to Europe was the US position on sanctions. “What the US is also throwing in the mix is sanctions relief, and this is very dangerous because it allows Russia to rearm very quickly while leaving Ukraine in a weaker position,” Nelles said, adding that this would remain unacceptable to both Kyiv and other European nations. Follow Al Jazeera English:...

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Futbol

West Ham became just the third team to take points off Chelsea in the Women's Super League this season, Shekiera Martinez scoring a late equaliser to rescue a 2-2 draw. Chelsea appeared to be cruising towards their 17th win of the campaign after scoring twice in the opening 21 minutes. However, Martinez's 42nd-minute strike dragged West Ham back into the game, before the Blues were left to rue their own missed opportunities in front of goal when the German forward levelled in stoppage time. The draw moves West Ham up to seventh and cuts Chelsea's lead at the top of the WSL to six points. However, Sonia Bompastor's side remain unbeaten and on course for the title despite the "disappointing result". Speaking to Sky Sports, Bompastor said: "This block of fixtures has been crazy. Eight games in 28 days - we travelled a lot, we played four games in a row against Manchester City where the players left everything on the pitch. "It is hard to have the energy but at Chelsea, we have enough depth and quality to finish this block of fixtures with a better result. "We conceded too many situations defensively but when you look at the bigger picture, we are six points ahead of the second-placed team. Every team would wish to be in our position." Chelsea flew out of the blocks at Kingsmeadow, having five shots in the opening 10 minutes before Maika Hamano made the breakthrough, volleying home on the turn after Ashley Lawrence headed a cross back across the box. Aggie Beever-Jones doubled their lead five minutes later, linking up with Sjoeke Nusken and Catarina Macario before guiding the ball beyond Kinga Szemik with the outside of her boot. Chelsea could have added several more, with Macario, Erin Cuthbert - who saw a long-range effort hit the bar - and Nusken all going close. Martinez pulled a goal back for West Ham on the stroke of half-time, hammering home from inside the box after being picked out by Riko Ueki. The visitors grew into the game in the second period, with Hannah Hampton forced into a couple of sharp saves before Martinez headed back across the goal to rescue a deserved point for West Ham. After 21 minutes at Kingsmeadow, a Chelsea victory looked inevitable. The Blues had cruised into a 2-0 lead and were flexing their squad depth, with Hamano and Beever-Jones - two of the seven changes from Thursday's Champions League victory over Manchester City - on the scoresheet. As half-time approached they continued to pepper the visitors' goal, and even when Martinez pulled one back in the 42nd minute, it remained Chelsea's game to lose. They had 73% possession and 16 shots to West Ham's four. However, they were left to rue their missed opportunities, with West Ham the better side for much of the second half and Martinez's late equaliser, scored in the first minute of added time, coming as no surprise. Chelsea boss Bompastor may rue her side's wastefulness in front of goal but the result will likely have little impact on the title race, with the Blues comfortably clear of Arsenal and Manchester United. For West Ham, however, whose manager Rehanne Skinner punched the air with delight at the final whistle, it continues a marked upturn in form since the winter break. West Ham have picked up 11 points from a possible 24 since the beginning of January, winning three and drawing two of their eight matches, and are unbeaten in their past three league games. In mid-December the Hammers sat 10th in the table, three points above the relegation zone, but are now seventh, with a 10-point buffer over 12th-placed Crystal Palace. Speaking to Sky Sports, Skinner said: "I'm delighted with the character and the way the team has gone about the game. The confidence has grown so much in the team and we are getting late goals in games. I'm delighted with the point. "We got a lot of players in September and it took time for the team to gel. Now we are in a position where we are able to get results. There is just a belief." Head here to get involved

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News_Naija

New Music Alert: Nigerian-Swedish Pop Sensation OmoLuther Returns With Oya And Better Day

After a long break, Nigerian-Swedish pop singer, songwriter, and producer OmoLuther has triumphantly returned to the music scene with the release of his brand-new singles, “Oya” and “Better Day”. Born Michael Adekunle Luther in Nigeria, he was known for his electrifying talent and genre-defying sound, OmoLuther first captivated audiences in 1998 with his debut project, “Mr. Sabi”, which earned him a Kora Award nomination at the time. In 2025, he is back to reignite his passion for music and impact the Nigerian music industry. Blending influences of pop, R&B, Afrobeat, and African folk music, Oya and Better Day showcase OmoLuther’s ability to craft fresh yet deeply captivating sounds. Both tracks are now available on all major streaming platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, Boomplay, and Audiomack. Reflecting on his journey, OmoLuther says, “Music has always been my first love. Even while I was building my corporate career and raising my family, I knew I would one day share the music I’d been writing and creating with the world.” OmoLuther’s debut project, Mr. Sabi, was a groundbreaking release that positioned him as one of the most promising African artists of his time. However, after taking time off to pursue a successful corporate career across Europe and America, as well as to focus on family life, he is now ready to bring his unique sound back to the forefront of African pop music. Speaking about his new singles, OmoLuther said, “With Oya and Better Day, I wanted to create songs that inspire joy and hope while staying true to my roots. These tracks reflect my journey and my vision for the future.” As he reintroduces himself to fans old and new, OmoLuther is determined to make a lasting impact on the Nigerian music scene. He describes this moment as a personal renaissance. “It’s a thing of joy to be able to release these songs to my people. It’s a celebration of resilience, growth, and the unbreakable bond between me and my music.” With a renewed sense of purpose and creativity, OmoLuther’s return marks an exciting chapter in his career and promises to leave an indelible mark on listeners worldwide. The songs are available on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you listen to music. About OmoLuther OmoLuther (Michael Adekunle Luther) is a Nigerian-Swedish singer, songwriter, and producer whose music blends pop, R&B, Afrobeat, and African folk influences. His debut project, Mr. Sabi, earned critical acclaim in 1998 and a Kora Award nomination. After stepping away from music for several years to focus on his corporate career and family life, OmoLuther has returned in 2025 with two brand-new singles, Oya and Better Day. Follow him on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube: @OmoLutherOfficial.

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Worldnews

Russia Kills 8 Civilians In Overnight Attack On Ukraines Capital Kyiv

The attacks on the Ukrainian capital are among the deadliest since Russia’s invasion more than three years ago. Russia carried out large-scale attack on Ukraine's Kyiv, at least 9 killed A Russian missile attack on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv has killed at least eight people and injured dozens in one of the deadliest strikes since Russia launched its full-scale invasion more than three years ago. Loud blasts sounded over the city overnight on Thursday after air raid sirens rang out, warning residents to head to shelters before the Russian missile attack. While Ukraine has been battered by Russian aerial attacks throughout the war, strikes on Kyiv, which has better air defences than other cities, are less common. Through the night, rescue workers were going through the rubble of destroyed buildings and tackling blazes in apartment blocks. “Russia has launched a massive combined strike on Kyiv,” Ukraine’s State Emergency Service said on Telegram, adding that eight people were killed and dozens more wounded. At least 42 people were hospitalised, including six children, it added. Russia also launched a large-scale attack on the northeastern city of Kharkiv overnight. Kharkiv Mayor Igor Terekhov said at least seven missiles had been fired at the city. “One of the most recent strikes hit a densely populated residential area …  Two people were injured there. The inspection of the sites of enemy strikes is under way,” Terekhov said, urging the city’s residents to “be careful”. Separately, Russia’s Ministry of Defence reported downing 87 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 45 over Crimea, a Ukrainian peninsula that was annexed by Moscow in 2014. The attacks throw yet more doubt on already fraught US efforts to get Russia and Ukraine to agree to a ceasefire, hours after President Donald Trump lashed out at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for refusing to accept Moscow’s occupation of Crimea as a condition for peace. Russian President Vladimir Putin has not yet responded to Zelenskyy’s offer to completely halt air attacks on civilian targets, and last month rejected a US-Ukrainian call for a full and unconditional ceasefire. “Putin shows only a desire to kill,” Andriy Yermak, one of Zelenskyy’s top aides, said as Russia unleashed its attack overnight. “The attacks on civilians must stop,” he added. Russia has launched a number of its most deadly aerial attacks at Ukraine over the last month – defying Trump’s push to bring about a rapid end to the bloodshed. A ballistic missile attack on the centre of the northeastern city of Sumy killed at least 35 people on April 13, while an attack on Zelenskyy’s hometown of Kryvyi Rig in early April killed at least 19. The Ukrainian leader had on Wednesday called for an “immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire”. “Stopping the killings is the number one task,” Zelenskyy said on social media, as his top officials met European and US officials in London. Hours before the attack on Thursday, Trump had said a peace deal was “very close” – and closed with Moscow – but accused Zelenskyy of being “harder” to negotiate with. The Ukrainian president’s refusal to accept US terms for ending the conflict “will do nothing but prolong the ‘killing field'”, Trump said. “I think we have a deal with Russia. We have to get a deal with Zelenskyy,” Trump told reporters. “I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelenskyy. So far it’s been harder.” Reporting from Kyiv, Al Jazeera’s Zein Basravi said the Ukrainians he spoke to following Thursday’s attack “are incredibly frustrated”. When asked about Trump’s seven-point peace plan, “many people here don’t even want to listen to the question. They say that Trump should keep quiet,” he said. “People here are frustrated, they are angry, they are tired of what they describe as Russian lies and they are tired of what they describe as this bullish American government trying to force them into making concessions while they still experience ongoing air attacks on a daily basis,” Basravi reported. Follow Al Jazeera English:...