Politics
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy says he is ready to hold direct talks with Putin
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasised his willingness to negotiate directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as long as that would be the only format which could “bring peace to the citizens of Ukraine and not lose people.”
When asked during the interview with British journalist Piers Morgan how he felt about potentially sitting opposite Putin at a negotiating table, Zelenskyy said, “If that is the only set-up in which we can bring peace to the citizens of Ukraine and not lose people, definitely we will go for this set-up.”
He later said, without specifying who, that any such talks would be with four participants. In an earlier interview over the weekend, however, he said that he “would like to see the United States of America, Ukraine and the Russians at the negotiating table… And, to be honest, a European Union voice should also be there.”
Any such conversation would need to happen after a meeting between himself and US President Donald Trump, Zelenskyy remarked at the time.
Referring to Vladimir Putin, Zelenskyy said, “I will not be kind to him, I consider him an enemy. To be honest, I think he considers me an enemy, too.”
In Tuesday’s interview, the Ukrainian president admitted that his country is likely to lose at least some of the territory that has been taken by Russia since its invasion began in February 2022.
In a sharp criticism of Ukraine’s backers in the war, Zelenskyy lamented that “regrettably, the support that is provided by our partners is insufficient to push Putin fully out of our territories.”
Nevertheless, he pointed to NATO membership as Ukraine’s best chance to end the war and guarantee the country’s security.
In the interview, Zelenskyy estimated Ukraine’s war dead to be at 45,100 with 390,000 injured. He claimed Russia had suffered 350,000 deaths and 700,000 injuries.
US President Donald Trump, whose future actions will be key to determining the outcome of the war, said during a press conference on Tuesday that the US is “talking to the Russians, we’re talking to the Ukrainian leadership.” He did not provide further details.
Last week, Putin said Russia would be “open” to peace talks, but shifted the blame, saying there was no willingness on its part to solve legal issues. He also described Zelenskyy as “not legitimate” to lead any potential talks, and ruled out speaking with him directly, saying he would “allocate appropriate people” to take part in negotiations.
Politics
Breaking: Diri Orders Autopsy on Bayelsa Deputy Governor’s Death, Warns Against Politicisation
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death of the state’s Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Governor Diri gave the directive on Saturday while receiving former President Goodluck Jonathan at the Government House in Yenagoa.
Reacting to the incident, the governor condemned what he described as widespread misinformation and speculation on social media, warning against any attempt to politicise the deputy governor’s death.
“I want to make an appeal. I have seen people politicise his death. In Ijaw land, there is no enmity in death. Let nobody politicise the passing of our dearly beloved deputy governor,” Diri said.
“If anyone truly loves him, this is the time to show it. I have directed that an autopsy be carried out to reveal the cause of his death. There is a lot of nonsense going on on social media.”
The governor further urged the public to focus on mourning and honouring the late deputy governor, noting that the state government had declared three working days of mourning in his honour.
“If anyone is issuing statements to eulogise him, let it end there. Let us mourn him because Bayelsa State is in a mourning mood,” he added.
Governor Diri also called for unity and love among the people, reminding them of the inevitability of death.
Speaking during the condolence visit, former President Goodluck Jonathan described the late Ewhrudjakpo as a committed and dedicated individual who played a key role in the activities of his foundation.
“For me, he was someone my foundation and I will never forget. He represented the governor in all our programs,” Jonathan said, adding that Ewhrudjakpo worked tirelessly in that role, even more than when he served as deputy governor.
The founder of Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, has said he will never take part in partisan politics, not for even billions of naira.
He stated that no amount of money, including “$1 billion,” (1.4 Trillion naira) would make him join politics.
Oyedepo made this known during an impartation service at Shiloh 2025 held at the church’s headquarters in Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State.
He explained that partisan politics is not part of his life’s calling and that is why he has chosen to stay away from it.
In his words: “In 2015, I warned the church that trouble was coming. Didn’t trouble come?
“Partisan politics is off my calling. If you give me $1 billion to join politics, I won’t, because it is off my course.”
The bishop also said the world is in urgent need of God’s intervention because of the times we are living in.
According to him, believers are being trained as an end-time army to bring solutions to national and global problems, similar to what biblical figures like Joseph and Daniel did.
President Bola Tinubu congratulates Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on his birthday, December 13.
President Tinubu celebrates with the Minister and former governor of Rivers State, giving thanks to God Almighty for enriching him with a life defined by purpose, service, and courage.
The President describes Chief Wike as an audacious top performer who defies obstacles and delivers results.
President Tinubu acknowledges the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory through infrastructure expansion, highlighting the Minister’s recent intervention that broke the 14-year logjam in the construction of the Apo-Karshi road.
The President commends Chief Wike for his resilience, can-do attitude, and commitment to excellence in all assignments.
President Tinubu thanks the Minister for his consistent efforts in delivering results and wishes him a happy birthday and strength to further his good work in the FCT.
“Nyesom Wike has been one of the shining stars in the cabinet, an exceptional performer, developing infrastructure in the Federal capital as never seen before and proving that his moniker as ‘Mr Project’ is not limited to his home state of Rivers.
“I commend him for being one of the champions of our Renewed Hope Agenda, even though he belongs to another party and wish him well as he marks another year in his life journey”.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
December 13, 2025
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