They'll no longer be eligible for enlisting in the special operations," he said. A Kenyan intelligence report presented to lawmakers in February said that more than 1,000 Kenyans had been recruited to fight on Russia ’s side in the war in Ukraine, five times more than authorities had previously estimated.

“We do not want for any reason our partnership with Russia to be defined from the lenses of the special operation (in Ukraine ) agenda only,” Mudavadi said. “The relationship between Kenya and Russia is much more broader than that.”

Hungary has vetoed the package amid a dispute over the Druzhba pipeline, which carries Russian crude to parts of Central Europe. Budapest says Ukraine deliberately cut supplies, while Kyiv says oil flows stopped after a Russian attack damaged pipeline infrastructure in late January, and repairs are underway. Zelensky said the Soviet-era pipeline could be operational again “within a month and a half.”

Orban, who faces Hungary’s parliamentary election on April 12, has accused Ukraine of trying to influence the campaign and has urged the European Commission to pressure Kyiv to restart deliveries.

In a letter shared publicly this week, Orban claimed there was “no technical or operational reason” the pipeline could not return to normal immediately.

The standoff comes as Ukraine continues to fight Russia n assaults along the front line. An analysis by Finland-based open-source group Black Bird Group found Russia lost more territory than it gained in February for the first time since 2023.

Authorities say 22 victims were rescued during a police operation last September, while three other Kenyans linked to the same pipeline later returned home with injuries after landing on the front line, according to the prosecution.

The case comes amid growing scrutiny of claims that large numbers of Kenyans have been drawn into Russia’s military through recruitment networks. A recent intelligence report presented to Kenya’s parliament put the figure at about 1,000 Kenyans recruited in recent months, many allegedly lured by offers of well-paid civilian work before being pushed into military contracts.

Omwamba pleaded not guilty, while his lawyer, Bonaventure Otieno, dismissed the case as being built on “speculations” and “hearsay.”

The Russian embassy in Nairobi has denied accusations of recruiting Kenyans under false pretences, calling the claims a “dangerous and misleading propaganda campaign,” according to reports.

The Presidency confirmed that four of the men returned to South Africa on Friday, February 20. Eleven others were expected to return home soon, while two would follow at a later stage.

On Tuesday, February 24, the government said that 11 of the 17 men were set to return after the initial four arrived last week. Two remained in Russia, with one receiving medical treatment in a hospital in Moscow.

“Two remain in Russia with one in a hospital in Moscow, while the other one is being processed before finalising his travel arrangements,” presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said.

“President Ramaphosa has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Vladimir Putin, who responded positively to his call to support the process of returning the men home,” Magwenya said.

An investigation into their recruitment is ongoing, as under South African law, working as a mercenary or fighting on behalf of another government is illegal unless authorised by the state.

Last Friday, two European researchers linked South Africa’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party , founded by former president Jacob Zuma, to alleged efforts to recruit Africans to fight for Russia in Ukraine. The researchers claimed that some migrants were lured with job offers and later pushed into military service.

The MK Party was mentioned among South African actors connected to recruitment efforts. The researchers also linked former member of the National Assembly Zuma-Sambudla, who is also the daughter of Jacob Zuma, to the allegations.

In November 2025, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla resigned from Parliament following allegations that she helped lure 17 men to fight as mercenaries in Russia’s war against Ukraine. Her resignation came after police announced that she was under investigation over claims that she had enticed South Africans to travel to Russia.

The allegations emerged after the group of men, aged between 20 and 39, reportedly ended up on the front lines of the war in Ukraine.

Vircoulon, who said his findings were based on testimonies from recruits and their families, described what he called a mix of public recruitment and a “discreet” form of coercion involving quick visa approvals arranged through groups posing as work-and-travel agencies.

“Once in the hands of the Russian army, they are sent for basic military training, then deployed to do the most dangerous work on the frontlines,” Vircoulon is quoted by the Citizen .

Gaudio alleged that some recruits were offered unskilled work and that “it has become a business” for recruiters in high-volume countries. He also accused Russian recruiters of manipulating visa extensions, claiming migrants were misled into signing documents before being handed military gear.

Inpact’s research, the speakers said, identified 1,417 African men allegedly recruited by Russia between 2023 and 2025, based on a list of African prisoners of war captured by Ukrainian forces. The recruits were reportedly aged 18 to 57, with an average age of 31. Inpact listed 32 South Africans, while Egypt and Cameroon had the largest numbers cited.

Vircoulon said the MK Party was among the South African actors mentioned in connection with recruitment, linking it to Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla. The party was contacted for comment, but did not respond by publication time, according to the organisers’ account.

Vircoulon argued the alleged tactics reflected rising costs and recruitment pressures for Russia . “Russian soldiers are more and more costly, and luring foreigners is a form of cheaper labour. It is about exploiting the migrants,” he said.

In November 2025, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla , the daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, resigned from Parliament after allegations that she helped lure 17 men to fight as mercenaries in Russia’s war against Ukraine. Her resignation followed a police announcement that she was under investigation over claims she had enticed South Africans to travel to Russia. The allegations emerged after a group of men aged 20 to 39 reportedly ended up on the front lines of the war in Ukraine.

According to a statement from the National Intelligence Service (NIS) presented to the House, as of February, 39 Kenyans are hospitalised, 30 have been repatriated, 28 are missing, 35 remain in military camps, 89 are on the frontline, one is detained, and another has completed his contract.

Ichung’wah said the agencies lured recruits with promises of monthly salaries of about $2,300, bonuses ranging between $6,900 and $9,200, and the possibility of Russian citizenship.

He added that some recruits initially travelled through Istanbul in Turkey and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Following increased interceptions at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), others have reportedly begun routing through Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa to avoid detection.

“For the close to over 1,000 estimated to have gone, not all have travelled from Kenya; some are already in the diaspora who have since moved to go and fight in Russia,” he is quoted by the Standard media .

The Majority Leader also alleged that some rogue airport officials and staff in immigration, investigative agencies and employment authorities may have colluded with recruiters. He further claimed that certain individuals at the Russian embassy in Nairobi and the Kenyan embassy in Moscow were involved in facilitating travel visas.

One of the agencies named in Parliament was Global Face Human Resources Limited, which is not accredited by the National Employment Authority. Authorities previously raided a holding base in Athi River, where passports, unsigned contracts and other materials were seized.

Recruits reportedly underwent about three weeks of training in Moscow before being deployed to the battlefield. Some returnees told investigators they were required to open Russian bank accounts and make payments of up to Sh975,000 (about $7,600) during the recruitment process.

Ichung’wah warned that the recruitment poses serious risks to young Kenyans and could strain diplomatic relations.

The policy was introduced after private clinics began offering cryopreservation services to troops in 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Lawmakers later stepped in to regulate the process and provide state funding.

At the state-run Centre for Reproductive Medicine in Kyiv, officials say a small number of troops have already enrolled, with more expected as awareness grows.

Maxim, a 35-year-old member of Ukraine’s National Guard stationed near the eastern frontline, recently froze a sperm sample during leave in Kyiv. He said he wants more servicemen to consider fertility preservation.

“Our men are dying. The Ukrainian gene pool is dying. This is about the survival of our nation,” he said in a phone interview .

Doctors say the programme also responds to broader demographic concerns. Ukraine faced falling birth rates even before the war, and losses among young men in combat, along with millions of refugees leaving the country, have deepened worries about population decline.

The policy initially drew criticism after early rules required samples to be destroyed if a donor died. The law has since been amended to allow partners to use preserved material for up to three years after death, provided consent was given.

For many soldiers, the option offers reassurance amid constant danger on the frontline. Officials say the programme is meant to support military families while addressing the long-term human cost of a war that has reshaped Ukrainian society .

Instead, many reportedly find themselves sent to the frontlines of the war .

Promised jobs, delivered to war

Families say communication often stops shortly after the recruits arrive in Russia. Some receive brief messages saying they are being deployed to the battlefield and will not be allowed to carry phones.

“We don’t know whether he is alive or dead,” said one Kenyan relative whose brother travelled to Russia last year after being promised a job. “He told us to pray for him.”

Investigative group All Eyes on Wagner (AEOW), which tracks mercenary activity, recently published a report listing 1,417 fighters from 35 African countries who joined the Russian army between 2023 and mid-2025. According to the report, at least 316 of them have died.

Egypt had the largest number of identified recruits, while Cameroon recorded some of the highest losses. The group estimates a mortality rate of more than 22 percent among the listed fighters, not including those wounded or missing. Ukraine has also claimed that more than 1,400 Africans from 36 countries are fighting for Russia.

Recruitment network

Reports from different African countries suggest the recruitment methods are similar. In Ghana, 14 men were allegedly lured with promises of agricultural and security jobs in 2024. Only three were known to be alive a month later.

In South Africa, several individuals were charged over the alleged recruitment of young men who were reportedly promised jobs or education opportunities but ended up in combat zones.

Some recruits sign contracts written in Russian, which they may not fully understand. Ukrainian officials have described the contracts as “equivalent to signing a death sentence." 

Experts say Russia has long relied on foreign fighters and private military networks. “If those guys die, who cares?” one international relations professor in Egypt said, suggesting foreign recruits may draw less domestic attention inside Russia.

Government warnings and rescue efforts

Several African governments have warned citizens to verify overseas job offers through official channels. Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi recently urged young people to confirm employment opportunities with the Ministries of Labour and Foreign Affairs before travelling abroad.

Kenyan authorities say they have rescued some citizens caught up in the conflict. However, families claim the number of affected individuals could be much higher than officially acknowledged.

In Egypt, authorities have tightened travel requirements for citizens heading to Russia and warned that serving in a foreign military could carry serious legal consequences at home.

Desperation and risk

Analysts say high unemployment and economic hardship across parts of Africa make young people vulnerable to such schemes. The promise of stable income in foreign currency can be powerful, especially for families struggling with rising living costs.

But once in Russia, some recruits allegedly discover they have few options. Returning home may be difficult, and leaving a military contract can carry severe penalties.

For many families, the biggest pain is the silence.

“We just want to know the truth,” said one relative. “Is he alive? Is he coming back?”

While city officials have urged residents to temporarily leave Kyiv if possible, zoo animals have no such option. Among them is Tony, a 51-year-old gorilla, one of the zoo’s most well-known residents.

“You can tell people to go to the countryside, but I can’t say that to Tony,” said zoo director Kyrylo Trantin. “He doesn’t have a grandmother in the countryside where he could stay.”

To keep Tony’s enclosure at a steady 20 degrees Celsius, staff feed firewood into a stove up to five times a day. Generators run constantly to provide heat to other animals, including horses, bison and an elephant.

Power cuts have also disrupted water supplies, but zoo workers have prepared for emergencies. Staff member Viktoriia Sluzhenko said the zoo maintains enough water reserves to operate independently for up to three days. The elephant alone requires about 150 litres of water each day.

“Every day is a battle for warmth and power,” Trantin said. Trantin, like many others are juggling the responsibility of caring for animals while also coping with the same hardships affecting the rest of the city.

Among the 17 men reportedly recruited, eight were family members. Authorities say the men, aged between 20 and 39, left South Africa under false pretences, believing they would get “bodyguard training” or other employment . In reality, distress calls received by South African authorities indicate they found themselves on the frontlines.

South Africa’s elite crime-fighting unit, The Hawks, has opened a criminal investigation into the allegations. The charges under consideration include human trafficking, fraud, and violations of the foreign-military-assistance law.

Her half-sister formally filed the complaint, saying she felt a “moral obligation” to act, especially after learning some of the men were close relatives.

On November 28, 2025, MK Party, led by Jacob Zuma, announced that Zuma-Sambudla had stepped down from her parliamentary seat, effective immediately. Party officials described the resignation as voluntary and not an admission of guilt. The party also pledged to support the families of the affected men and assist in efforts to repatriate them safely.

If proven, the case marks one of the most serious mercenary-recruitment scandals involving foreign nationals and raises new concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

He confirmed the measure would take immediate effect but stressed that single-entry visas would not be affected. 

"What I'm saying today is about a multiple-entry visa. That means a single-entry visa remains possible. There's stronger scrutiny, but I'm not going to speculate about any future actions," he added.

The move marks a tightening of EU travel restrictions on Russian citizens amid continuing tensions over the war in Ukraine . 

On Thursday, the Commission said it could not prevent Russians from obtaining single-entry visas, as decisions on those applications rest with individual member states.

Multiple-entry Schengen visas allow holders to travel freely between countries in the Schengen zone, while single-entry visas limit travellers to one entry.

Moscow had not issued an official response at the time of publication.

“I hope that this chemistry bears fruit for the Brazilian people and the American people,” Lula said. “Someday I'm going to tell him that we can solve this Russia-Ukraine war, because the war is at its point of maturity. You see, it's already been three years of war. Trump, Putin already know what they want, the elected officials already know what they want. Everyone knows what they're going to get. What's missing is putting this on the negotiating table.”

The Brazilian leader added that he believes “the world is getting to the point of ending this war — and not waging any more wars.”

Lula’s remarks came during a press conference following the 47th ASEAN Summit, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from October 26 to 28. The event gathered leaders from 11 Southeast Asian nations, along with partner countries including the United States and Brazil.

“Today, no one but ourselves can guarantee security. Only strong alliances, only strong partners, and only our own weapons,” Zelensky said. He called the reality “sick,” but insisted it was unavoidable.

The Ukrainian leader argued that international law was powerless without enforcement by states willing to act. He added that even those willing partners could not offer guarantees without military strength of their own. “There are no security guarantees except friends and weapons,” he said.

Zelensky acknowledged the contradiction between Ukraine’s traditionally peaceful outlook and its present need to invest heavily in defence. Ukrainians, he said, would have chosen another path if possible, but were left with no alternative in the face of Russian aggression.

The president also cast doubt on the ability of global institutions to address conflicts elsewhere. He pointed to Sudan, Somalia, Palestine and Syria as examples of peoples left waiting for international support while wars and sanctions continued to devastate them.

“For decades, just statements and statements,” Zelensky said, adding that Syria, despite years of upheaval, still had to appeal to the world for relief from sanctions.

Turning back to the Middle East , Zelensky cited the ongoing violence in Gaza as another example of the UN’s weakness. He said the conflict remained unresolved, with “no way out” offered by international mechanisms.

Zelensky stressed that Ukraine’s war showed the costs of those failings. He said people were still dying every week because Moscow refused a ceasefire and the international community lacked the means to compel one.

“Ukrainians are peaceful people, but they are people who want to live freely in their own independent country,” he said. “That’s why we invest in defence. For many nations, there is simply no other way left.”

The message was delivered on one of the world’s biggest diplomatic stages, where many world leaders expressed support for Ukraine and other territories facing unrest, such as Palestine and Syria.

On this occasion, they are packed in here like in a subway at rush hour, and every speech we have heard and will hear only reiterates the previous ones and [...] has no relation to the truth," Polyansky told the chaber.

The Russian envoy claimed that European powers were undermining the prospects of a “sustainable peace” by promising security guarantees to Ukraine, which he said risked triggering a new conflict on the continent.

“Our meeting, of course, will not add any value to the cause of establishing peace in Ukraine and will only become yet another shameful episode of that fair of hypocrisy,” he said.

Polyansky also invoked remarks by Poland’s former president, Andrzej Duda, who once warned that Ukraine was “like a drowning person” pulling others down. He suggested that Europe now faced an “inglorious fate” by continuing to fund Kyiv.

European leaders struck back with sharp criticism. Finland’s President Alexander Stubb said Russia’s assault on Ukraine represented a daily violation of the UN Charter and a fundamental threat to international order.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned what he described as repeated Russian incursions into European airspace and urged the international community to respond “with determination and unity.”

European Council President António Costa said the bloc would press ahead with sanctions on Moscow and continue to back Ukraine’s ambition of full EU membership. Italy’s foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, meanwhile, insisted Europe was “not at war with Russia” but urged Moscow to return to dialogue.

Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, after recognising separatist entities in Donetsk and Luhansk and demanding that Kyiv renounce NATO membership. Kyiv denounced the move as an invasion, while the EU and United States imposed sweeping sanctions in response.

In an interview on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Trump said the war, now approaching its fourth year, had defied early predictions of a swift Russian victory. Trump said Ukraine had “a lot of courage, a lot of guts” and deserved credit for stopping what he described as a “very large army.”

The comments mark a notable departure from Trump’s earlier criticism of Kyiv's ability to withstand Russia's military power. Just in February, he criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for doing a "terrible job" in navigating the invasion.

Asked whether NATO countries should shoot down Russian aircraft if they enter their airspace, Trump replied, “Yes I do.” He later added that any U.S. response would depend on circumstances, but insisted the alliance had grown stronger under his leadership.

Trump also pointed to rising defence spending among NATO members, claiming that contributions had risen from 2% to 5% of output. He said the shift represented “great unity” and stressed that many countries were now buying weapons directly from the United States.

He drew a contrast with President Joe Biden, accusing the previous administration of giving Ukraine aid “without getting much in return.” By contrast, he said, NATO members are now paying the United States for weapons, pumping “trillions of dollars” into the alliance’s collective security.

Russia hurting

On the flipside, Trump said Moscow was suffering from the prolonged conflict, which has brought sanctions and isolation.

“The Russian economy is terrible right now,” he said. “As you know, it’s crashing.”

Washington itself had imposed a great deal of sanctions against countries buying oil from Russia, the sales of which Trump said were being used to fund the war in Ukraine.

Trump was also asked about Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s continued purchases of Russian oil. He described Orban as “a friend” and said he had not spoken to him directly. “But I have a feeling if I did, he might stop,” Trump added.

For now, Trump’s sharpest shift was reserved for his remarks on Ukraine’s battlefield performance.

“This was supposed to be quick,” he said. “And so, you know, Russia doesn't look very distinguished. Having taken three and a half years now, three and a half years of very hard fighting. And it looks like it's not going to end for a long time."

At the ceremony, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov praised the move as “a truly friendly step in the spirit of a genuine strategic partnership”, framing it as evidence of growing interest from the Global South and East in strengthening ties with Russia’s newly claimed territories.

Ortega Murillo described the agreements as an “honour”, expressing solidarity with the regions he said had “endured fascist attacks against their peoples and cultures” and had “exercised their historic right” to join the Russian Federation. He also stressed the “historic brotherhood” between Nicaragua and Russia, promising closer cooperation across multiple sectors.

The accords underscore Nicaragua’s status as one of Moscow’s closest allies in Latin America at a time when most of the international community continues to reject Russia’s annexations of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. The United Nations has deemed the moves illegal under international law, and Western governments have imposed sanctions on both Russia and entities cooperating with its territorial claims.

By openly engaging with Russia’s annexed regions, Nicaragua further isolates itself from Western partners while consolidating its place in Moscow’s network of global allies willing to challenge international norms on sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Russia’s war economy is sustained by the revenues from fossil fuels. We want to cut these revenues. So we are banning imports of Russian energy into European markets. It is time to turn,” she said.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One after wrapping up his second state visit to the United Kingdom, Trump was asked whether he would push for a truce. “It doesn’t feel like it. But at the right time. If I have to do it, it’ll be harsh,” he replied.

Trump also weighed in on discussions with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who has been outspoken about Europe’s reliance on Russian energy despite the war. “He rightfully said that I caught Europe. You know, NATO countries, EU countries, you can call it either way because they’re very similar. But then I caught them buying oil from Russia. And he said that’s not good."

China and India, two of Russia’s biggest energy partners, would be directly caught in the squeeze if the EU agrees to Trump’s request.

One EU diplomat said Trump signalled he was prepared to impose similarly sweeping tariffs himself if the bloc agreed to act.

The appeal comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin shows little inclination to scale back his war in Ukraine. Last week, he accused EU states of forming a “party of war” and warned that Moscow would continue to resort to military means if all else fails.

“I think there’s a certain light at the end of the tunnel,” Putin said during a nearly hourlong news conference in Beijing. “If not, then we’ll have to solve all the tasks before us by military means.”

For his part, Trump is appearing to turn increasingly critical of Putin again after mellowing out during their August meeting in Alaska. In recent months, he has escalated economic pressure on Russia’s oil trade partners, including raising tariffs on Indian goods to 50%.

Speaking to Global South World before news of the EU request emerged, Dr. Ila Joshi, an international relations scholar studying China and India, called Trump's tariff strategy misguided.

“Trump can do anything, but I hope he doesn’t,” Joshi said when asked if Washington might raise duties on India after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeared to be drawing closer to Xi Jinping and Putin.

“With the personality he has, he’s so erratic, he can do anything. But as for an intelligent foreign policy… that’s not an intelligent thing to do. Not at all.”

“To uphold international fairness and justice , we must take action through Shanghai Cooperation. Member states, adhering to principles of fairness, constructively engage in international and regional affairs and defend the shared interests of the Global South,” Xi said.

“We must resolutely oppose hegemonism and power politics and practise genuine multilateralism, acting as a cornerstone for the diversification of the world and democratisation of international relations,” he continued. 

China also announced plans for expanded cooperation in areas including renewable energy, green industry, digital economy, artificial intelligence, education, and healthcare. It said the SCO remains committed to non-alignment, inclusive growth, and serving as a stabilising force in global affairs.

The SCO is a regional intergovernmental organisation founded in June 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It was created to strengthen political, security, and economic cooperation across Eurasia, building on the earlier “Shanghai Five” mechanism established in 1996.

Today, the SCO has nine full members: China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran. The organisation also has observer states, including Afghanistan, Belarus, and Mongolia, as well as dialogue partners such as Turkey, Sri Lanka, and Saudi Arabia.

Modi, Putin talk Ukraine war

On the sidelines of the summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held bilateral talks that focused on the two global powers’ partnership and the war in Ukraine.

Putin described relations between Moscow and New Delhi as “special, friendly and trusting,” saying this foundation would continue to guide future cooperation. Modi described the partnership as “special, privileged, and strategic.” 

“Even in the most challenging circumstances, India and Russia have consistently moved forward together, shoulder to shoulder. Our close co-operation is vital not only for the peoples of our two nations but also for maintaining global peace, stability, and prosperity,” the Indian president said.

On Ukraine, Modi said the two leaders “regularly share perspectives on the ongoing conflict ” and reiterated India’s position on peace efforts. 

“We welcome all recent efforts to establish peace and hope that all parties will approach this matter constructively. We must find ways to bring the conflict to an end and restore peace as swiftly as possible. This is a call shared by all of humanity,” he said.

Putin used his appearance at the SCO to defend Moscow’s position, claiming Russia’s actions in Ukraine were “a result of a coup…supported and provoked by the West” and blaming NATO expansion for fuelling tensions. 

He praised the SCO for promoting “genuine multilateralism” and for “laying the political and socio-economic groundwork for the formation of a new system of stability and security in Eurasia,” which he said would move away from “outdated Eurocentric and Euro-Atlantic models.”

Her remarks followed meetings in Washington between United States President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was joined by several European leaders on August 18.

“China always believes that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solutions to the Ukraine crisis. We support all efforts that are conducive to peace,” Mao told reporters.

“China supports all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis and is glad to see Russia and the United States maintain contact, improve their relations and promote a political settlement process of the Ukraine crisis.”

Beijing also called on all parties taking part in the Washington talks to work towards a settlement.

“We hope that all parties and stakeholders will participate in the peace talks in a timely manner and reach a fair, lasting, binding and acceptable peace agreement to all parties as soon as possible,” Mao said.

The discussions in Washington come after a summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.

That meeting did not result in a ceasefire but included pledges from both leaders to provide “robust security guarantees” to Ukraine.

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, escalating a conflict that began in 2014 with Moscow’s annexation of Crimea.

The war has caused tens of thousands of deaths, displaced millions, and severely disrupted global energy and food markets.

“Then he said, ‘no mamita, here we are made to go through hardship, that's why I'm leaving here and going to Ukraine where I'm being given a better opportunity.’ And this better opportunity for my son led him to death,” Omaida said tearfully in an interaction with Viory.

She warned other young Colombians about the dangers of being misled by financial incentives from foreign conflicts. “I would like to tell all young people not to be misled by these supposed benefits that are offered to help their families, because it is a scam, I think. It is a scam because it will make many mothers suffer, just like I am suffering and my whole family too,” she said.

Elder’s uncle, Jose Aurencio Mamian, added, “Let’s not go to that war that is not ours. Let’s not go chasing money. It is true that Colombian families struggle financially, but let’s choose to live here, our own way, even if we suffer. Let’s do it for our mothers, our children . Friends and family suffer for the people who go to another country and give their lives to support them, but they will never enjoy what they earned." 

Adding to the family’s distress, there has been no confirmation of compensation for Elder’s death. “So far, let’s say that regarding compensation, nothing has been said. The family knows there could be compensation, there could be, but we haven't been told directly from over there, ‘look, you have compensation,’” explained his cousin, Kelyn Manquillo.

Featuring iconic destinations and hidden gems alike, the 2025 rankings, compiled by global travel experts and beach enthusiasts, celebrate natural beauty, accessibility, sustainability, and overall wow factor.

Let’s dive into some of the standout destinations that made waves this year, as visualised by World Visualized .

Cala Goloritzé (Italy)

A UNESCO-listed natural monument in Sardinia, Cala Goloritzé is famed for its jagged cliffs, bright blue waters, and hiking access. It’s a beach lover’s dream with an adventurous twist.

Entalula Beach ( Philippines )

A crown jewel of El Nido, Palawan, Entalula Beach captivates with its crystal-clear turquoise waters, lush limestone cliffs, and pristine white sands. Often accessible only by boat, this beach offers a secluded tropical paradise perfect for snorkelling and photography.

PK 9 Beach (French Polynesia)

PK 9 Beach, near Fakarava Atoll , stuns with its line of swaying palms and gentle lagoon tides. Renowned for its untouched beauty and biodiversity , this beach is a favourite for eco-tourists and snorkelers exploring French Polynesia’s marine sanctuaries.

Russia has recently focused on eastern Ukraine, claiming control over several parts of the Ukrainian regions.

Speaking on the Global South Conversations, Alyona Nevmerzhytska, the CEO of Ukrainian independent online news platform, Hromadske, said the only solution for peace in the region is for Russia “to be punished”. “It has never been punished. All this impunity during these years led to what we have now, and now all Europe is afraid of Russia…if Russia was punished as Germany after World War II, it would not be so aggressive.”

She added that occupied Eastern Ukraine has been cut off from Ukrainian media platforms, and the people have been given Russian passports, while others are fighting on the frontlines against their people.

“Unfortunately we do not know much about [the] people who are in occupied regions. They are cut from Ukraine-controlled territories. They are cut from the internet. Even if they have internet, they are cut from the pro-Ukrainian media. They are brainwashed, they are fed with the message that Ukrainian government and Ukrainian people do not care about them, that they are forgotten, that they need to take Russian passport because they give it left and right. You know, they just want more and more people to be Russians.

“I know for sure that all men that are there in occupied territories, they are mobilising them and they make them go and serve the Russian army. So there is a number of Ukrainians who are fighting on the front line now against us, against Ukraine-controlled territories. And we have many people who escape from Eastern Ukraine to here, to central part to Western part of Ukraine,” she told Ismail Akwei.

On the call for elections to be held in Ukraine, she clarified that the Ukrainian martial law that says during war, elections are not held, makes Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s presidency legitimate and calls to organise an election were a ploy to have a pro-Russian leader who would accept the terms of Russia.

“That's something that Putin wants. He wants to have reelection and he wants a pro-Russian president here in Ukraine. Then it would be possible to stop the war immediately with the person who is not interested in regaining our territories back…And actually, what Trump started for some time [that] there should be elections in Ukraine. He wants the person who would be easy to negotiate with and who would be easier to lean towards any suggestions for peace that Russia suggests.

“But for Russia, if there is a freeze on the war, and if, for example, even hypothetically their is a new leader in Ukraine who would stop the war. This is just a time for Russia to run [back] to make more arms, to mobilise more people and come back in a few years. This is something that is not going to stop, you know, this peace will not be… trust peace, it's not justice peace. It's just for Russia to reorganise, rearm, remobilize new people and invade again,” she said.

Watch the full interview attached to this story.