Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: AFP

  • Brigitte Bardot dies at 91, closing a polarising chapter in French celebrity history

    Brigitte Bardot dies at 91, closing a polarising chapter in French celebrity history

    2025-12-28 09:00:00
    An update from Punch says French cinema icon Brigitte Bardot has died at 91, describing her as a defining face of a generation of film and celebrity culture.

    Her legacy runs in two lanes: global stardom and later decades as an animal-rights campaigner, alongside controversies tied to politics and repeated public backlash over her rhetoric.

    The renewed attention following her death is likely to reopen debates in France over celebrity influence, activism, and the boundaries of public speech.

    The Guardian quotes Emmanuel Macron calling Bardot a “legend of the century,” while AP reports Bardot once said, “Man is an insatiable predator.”

    Echotitbits take: When cultural icons die, countries argue over what to keep and what to discard. Watch how France’s media frames the balance between Bardot’s cultural impact, activism, and controversies.

    Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025 (https://punchng.com/french-film-legend-brigitte-bardot-dies-at-91/)
    The Punch 2025-12-28

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Zelensky urges stronger US pressure on Russia as new talks format is floated

    Zelensky urges stronger US pressure on Russia as new talks format is floated

    Photo Credit: The Punch

    2025-12-20 19:15:00

    Reporting by The Punch indicates Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky says only the United States has enough leverage to pressure Russia toward ending the war, as diplomats hold renewed discussions on possible talks.

    Zelensky’s comments reflect Kyiv’s insistence that negotiations must be backed by meaningful pressure—sanctions, security guarantees, and sustained military support—rather than vague concessions or frozen conflict lines.

    The statement comes amid signals of a US-proposed talks format that could include Ukraine, the US and Russia, with possible European participation, though Zelensky voiced skepticism about quick breakthroughs.

    Reuters quoted Zelensky calling for pressure, saying, “America must clearly say: if not diplomacy, then there will be full pressure.” AFP also reported Zelensky urged Washington to “put more pressure on Russia,” linking his remarks to fresh talks in Miami.

    Echotitbits take:
    Ukraine is signalling that any deal must be enforceable and backed by deterrence. Watch the next US steps on sanctions, arms deliveries, and whether the proposed talks format becomes formalised with agreed agendas and timelines.

    Source: The Punch — December 20, 2025 (https://punchng.com/zelensky-says-only-us-can-pressure-russia-to-end-war/)
    The Punch 2025-12-20

  • Trump Sends U.S. Forces to Ecuador in Expanded Anti-Drug Cooperation

    Trump Sends U.S. Forces to Ecuador in Expanded Anti-Drug Cooperation

    2025-12-18 00:00:00

    Vanguard reports that the United States is deploying military personnel to Ecuador as part of a renewed anti-narcotics push, reflecting a broader security strategy in the Americas.

    The report indicates the deployment would support joint operations, surveillance, and logistics in collaboration with Ecuadorian forces.

    Officials say the arrangement is time-bound, with the stated aim of disrupting trafficking routes and strengthening maritime and air interdiction.

    Dawn, citing AFP, reported that the mission would be a “temporary operation” alongside Ecuadorian forces. (Dawn/AFP)

    Barron’s, also carrying the AFP account, described the move as part of intensified U.S. drug interdiction efforts in the region. (Barron’s/AFP)

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: While far from Nigeria geographically, U.S. interdiction shifts can affect global trafficking patterns and enforcement priorities—sometimes displacing routes. Watch for whether West African transit corridors see knock-on effects as pressure increases in Latin America.

    Source: Vanguard — December 18, 2025 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/trump-deploys-military-to-ecuador-for-anti-drugs-operation/)

    Photo credit: Vanguard News