Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Russia

  • Russia attacks Zelensky’s position ahead of Trump talks as Ukraine plan tightens

    Russia attacks Zelensky’s position ahead of Trump talks as Ukraine plan tightens

    Photo Credit: Vanguard
    2025-12-27 07:07:00

    Reporting by Vanguard suggests Russia is pushing back hard on Kyiv’s approach to a US-led peace framework, accusing Ukraine of trying to derail negotiations as President Volodymyr Zelensky heads into a high-stakes meeting with Donald Trump.

    The emerging proposal is described as a tightened plan meant to freeze fighting around current frontlines while negotiating territory, security guarantees, and sensitive assets tied to the conflict’s endgame.

    Russia’s messaging signals it wants the terms closer to what it has discussed with Washington, while Ukraine insists any freeze must come with credible guarantees and enforcement mechanisms.

    The politics are moving faster than the battlefield narrative: both sides appear to be positioning for leverage just before a potentially defining diplomatic window.

    Reuters quoted Russia’s Sergei Ryabkov saying, “I think that 25 December 2025 will remain in our memory as a turning point,” while The Guardian reported Zelensky described the plan as “90% ready,” but stressed unresolved issues remain.

    Echotitbits take:
    Deals fail when “freeze the lines” becomes “freeze the injustice.” Watch what Trump signals after meeting Zelensky—endorsement, revisions, or a pivot—and whether Russia offers verifiable ceasefire commitments to keep talks credible.

    Source: Vanguard — December 26, 2025 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/russia-lashes-out-at-zelensky-ahead-of-new-trump-meeting-on-ukraine-plan/)
    Vanguard December 26, 2025

  • Russia Reaffirms Backing for Maduro as US Pressure Squeezes Venezuelan Oil Flows

    Russia Reaffirms Backing for Maduro as US Pressure Squeezes Venezuelan Oil Flows

    Photo Credit: NDTV (AFP)
    2025-12-23

    As reported by NDTV (AFP) Venezuela says Russia reaffirmed full support as the US increases pressure around sanctioned oil shipments.

    The episode is unfolding amid tougher enforcement against sanctioned movements, raising the risk of rerouting, discounts, and higher logistics costs.

    For markets, the main risk is disruption: fewer willing buyers, elevated compliance costs, and more volatile shipping behaviour.

    NDTV (AFP) quoted Venezuela’s account that Lavrov “reaffirmed its full support…”. Associated Press reported escalating US warnings, quoting Trump’s language about Maduro who “plays tough”.

    Echotitbits take: When sanctions enforcement tightens, shipping risk premiums rise and crude flows get noisier. Watch for shifts in buyer behaviour, insurance constraints, and whether alternative routing expands.

    Source: NDTV (AFP) — December 23, 2025 (https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/venezuela-says-russia-expressed-full-support-against-us-hostilities-9882362)
    NDTV (AFP) 2025-12-23

  • 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

  • Ukraine says Russian drone hit Turkish vessel carrying sunflower oil to Egypt

    Ukraine says Russian drone hit Turkish vessel carrying sunflower oil to Egypt

    Photo Credit: Explosion from the Turkish ship allegedly attacked by Russian drone – CNN
    2025-12-14

    According to The Punch, Ukraine accused Russia of striking a Turkish vessel with a drone in the Black Sea, saying the ship was on a civilian voyage carrying sunflower oil to Egypt.

    The report said Ukrainian officials framed the incident as an attack on civilian shipping, potentially raising risks for maritime trade in the region.

    Reuters reported Ukraine’s navy said Russia attacked a civilian Turkish ship and that it was carrying sunflower oil to Egypt.

    Al Arabiya also reported Ukraine’s account and quoted claims that Russia delivered a targeted strike using a drone.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: This allegation keeps Black Sea shipping risk elevated, affecting insurance, routing and commodity price expectations. Watch for Turkey’s official response, any maritime advisories, and whether commercial operators adjust schedules or require enhanced protections.

    Source: The Punch — 14 Dec 2025 (https://punchng.com/ukraine-accuses-russia-of-drone-strike-on-turkish-ship/)

  • Putin: World’s First Vaccine against COVID-19 to Be Registered in Russia

    Putin: World’s First Vaccine against COVID-19 to Be Registered in Russia

    Russian President Vladimir Putin Monday disclosed that the world’s first vaccine against the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) would be registered in his country in a few days.

    Putin, who stated this on his Facebook page, explained that Russian scientists have passed necessary test stages and proved the safety and effectiveness of the drug.

    India records over 30,000 coronavirus deaths as US tops 4m cases

    According to him, “The world’s first vaccine against coronavirus will be registered in Russia in a few days.

    “Russian scientists passed necessary test stages and proved the safety and effectiveness of the drug.

    “Our medicine has adequately coped with the epidemic and now gives hope not only to our country, but to the whole world.

    After 11 days in isolation, Gov. Fayemi survives Coronavirus

    “Once the Soviet satellite paved the way for humanity into space, now the Russian vaccine will pave the way to the future without COVID-19, masks and social isolation.”