Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for more pressure on Russia, saying it must “feel what war is”.

In his nightly video address on Wednesday, Zelenskyy said recent long-range attacks on Russian military sites have been effective. However, he stressed that “the pressure on Russia must be maintained and increased at different levels.”

He also mentioned that Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, currently on a visit to South Korea, is discussing concerns about Russia’s possible collaboration with North Korea in its war against Ukraine with South Korean leaders.

Meanwhile, the Biden administration is urging Ukraine to grow its army by drafting more troops and changing its laws to allow conscription from the age of 18 instead of 25.

A senior US official, speaking anonymously, said on Wednesday that Ukraine needs more soldiers to counter Russia’s larger military as the war nears its third year. The official warned that Ukraine is not recruiting or training enough troops to replace those lost in battle while keeping up with Russia’s expanding forces.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine was also discussed at a summit in Sweden on Wednesday, attended by the leaders of the Nordic-Baltic countries and Poland’s Donald Tusk.

During the meeting in Harpsund, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced that the leaders had pledged to increase support for Ukraine, including providing more ammunition.

“We have a neighbour in need, and we must help. Our countries are the largest per capita contributors to Ukraine,” Kristersson said.

Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk proposed creating a “sea police” in the Baltic Sea to strengthen regional security, a suggestion he said was well-received by other leaders.

Suspected gunmen have reportedly abducted Fabian Ihekweme, the former commissioner for foreign affairs in Imo state.

In a viral video seen by TheCable, a woman who identified as Ihekweme’s wife pleaded for the release of her husband.

She added that the incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon at their residence.

“They first took my husband’s driver to my house and gave him the phone to call my husband, and when he came out, they picked him up,” the woman said.

“I do not know why they are trailing me; I don’t have any business with Imo politics; I don’t know why they are trailing my children.

“I don’t know where my husband is. They are still holding him now; Ndi Imo, please help me.”

Ihekweme, who served as a commissioner between 2020 and 2022 under the Hope Uzodimma-led administration, later defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In October, the former commissioner alleged that the governor refused to appreciate his efforts towards his reelection, despite all he did for him.

Henry Okoye, the Imo police spokesperson, told TheCable that the command had not been briefed about the abduction.

Ekwutosblog has gathered that Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has debunked his death rumours making the rounds on social media, saying he’s alive.

The ex-president, who wondered why some people would wish him such, said he quickly informed his family members that he’s hale and hearty.

Obasanjo stated this on Tuesday during the inauguration of the Old Garage/Oke Fia-Lameco Dual carriageway in Osogbo, Osun State, one of the projects being inaugurated to commemorate the second anniversary of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

“I heard the rumour that I was dead. I saw it on the social media. I quickly told my children and my relations that it was not true and that I was alive. Those who want me dead, that is their wish but God still keeps me alive.

“Why would anyone wish me dead? Those who harbour such thoughts will not escape tragedy themselves.

“This kind of rumour is not only disturbing but shows the extent to which some people misuse technology. It is unacceptable,” Obasanjo stated.

Speaking at the event, the governor, Adeleke stated, that his government is committed to the state’s infrastructure development and provision.

“My dear people of Osun State, our administration has constructed over 120 kilometres of roads across the state. Two major flyovers are also progressing to completion at Osogbo while works are progressing at the Ile-Ife flyover and Ilesa dualisation.

“I have redirected our efforts and plan at the completion of Iwo-Osogbo Road. We have added the dualisation of Odoori-Adeeke Road inside Iwo to be executed in two phases. The first phase will reach the Post Office and the Oluwo Palace, while the second phase will take off from the Post Office to Adeeke Junction.

“I want our people to note for the record that for all our projects and programmes, we did not obtain any loan. We only block leakages in the state’s finances and employ local content to moderate project costs and enforce high stand