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Zelenskyy Accuses China of Helping Russia with Drone Technology and Military Support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused China on Tuesday of being indirectly involved in Russia’s drone production efforts. He claimed that Chinese citizens were working at a drone factory in Russia and suggested that Moscow might have stolen drone technology from China, although he implied Beijing may not have been aware of it.
This is the latest in a series of accusations from Kyiv, which also included Zelenskyy’s previous comments about China supplying Russia with weapons and gunpowder. These remarks marked the first time Zelenskyy openly accused Beijing of directly aiding Moscow’s military efforts, although China has firmly denied these claims.
In response, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry summoned Chinese Ambassador Ma Shengkun to express serious concerns about China’s involvement in the war. Zelenskyy appeared to soften his tone, stating that Russia might have secretly obtained drone technology from Chinese nationals working in Russia without Beijing’s official approval.
Zelenskyy’s comments come at a delicate time for Ukraine, with ongoing diplomatic efforts led by the U.S. to end the war. Earlier this month, Zelenskyy accused Russia of recruiting Chinese nationals to join its forces, adding that Beijing was likely aware of the recruitment, though it hasn’t been confirmed if they were receiving instructions from Chinese officials.
Despite these tensions, China has reiterated its support for peace efforts and cautioned against irresponsible remarks regarding the involvement of Chinese nationals in the conflict. Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian officials have been directed to communicate their findings directly with the Chinese government through official channels, as they continue to investigate the extent of China’s possible role in Russia’s military operations.
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“You Can Still Have Subsidy Without Long Queues” — Rufai Oseni Speaks On Subsidy
TV anchor Rufai Oseni makes headlines as he speaks on fuel subsidy in Nigeria. He shared that Nigeria can have fuel subsidy without the long queues at filling stations.
“When we were still paying subsidies, there were no long queues. We were subsidising. So you can still have a subsidy regime going on, and there will be no long queues because production was close by. Dangote had it. That’s just it. That argument also falls flat.
“The biggest beneficiaries of subsidy are not Nigerians. They are crony capitalists that have big infrastructure, and they do contracts. They have been the biggest beneficiaries of the subsidy,” he said.
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Sanwo-Olu Speaks on Lagos’ Power Challenges and the Need for Change
Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu, speaks to those in the electricity sector about the usual blackouts in the state.
He speaks on ways things can change in the state and how electricity can be provided.
“We need to drop corporate egos, abandon long-standing excuses, and confront the harsh realities obstructing progress in the power sector.”
“We, state governments, used to give excuses that everything is centralised, so the Federal Government has unbundled it now. What have we done in a year and a half?” Sanwo-Olu asked.
“We take two steps forward, we go five steps backward,” he said.
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Sanwo-Olu Declares August 20 Public Holiday in Lagos for Isese Festival
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared Thursday, August 20, a work-free day for public servants in the state to mark the Isese Festival.
Speaking on the celebration, he said “Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is not a relic. It is a living expression of our traditions and a celebration of Yoruba spirituality as an important part of Nigeria’s cultural and religious landscape,” he said.
He added “When the drums sound in Lagos on Thursday, they answer drums in Havana, in Salvador, in Port of Spain. Fifty-five million people and counting. Lagos is not observing a local holiday. Lagos is standing at the centre of a global heritage,” Aregbe said.
