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Federal Government Shuts Down 41 Unity Colleges Amid Surge in Student Abductions

Toyin Adebayo
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Federal Government Shuts Down 41 Unity Colleges Amid Surge in Student Abductions

ABUJA – In a sweeping emergency measure, the Federal Government ordered the immediate closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges on Friday, citing escalating security threats and a resurgence of student kidnappings across northern Nigeria.

The directive, issued by the Ministry of Education under Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, aims to avert potential breaches in vulnerable institutions. A circular signed by Director of Senior Secondary Education Hajiya Binta Abdulkadir emphasized the need for swift compliance from principals, with no specified timeline for reopening.

“Sequel to the recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches, the Honourable Minister of Education has approved the immediate closure of the listed Federal Unity Colleges (FUCs) with immediate effect,” the statement read.

The decision follows a wave of brazen attacks on schools, including Friday’s abduction of an undetermined number of students, teachers, and a security guard from St. Mary’s Catholic Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.

Earlier this week, bandits kidnapped 25 female students from a school in Maga, Kebbi State, killing the vice principal and heightening national outrage.

Global watchdogs like UNICEF have decried the pattern, urging prioritized safeguards for learners.

The affected colleges, spanning states like Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Jigawa, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, FCT, Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, and Borno, include:

-Kano/Katsina/Jigawa: FGGC Minjibir, FTC Ganduje, FGGC Zaria, FGGC Bakori
– Kaduna/Katsina: FTC Kafanchan, FTC Dayi, FGC Daura
– Sokoto/Zamfara/Kebbi: FGGC Tambuwal, FSC Sokoto, FTC Wurno, FGC Gusau, FGC Anka, FGGC Gwandu, FGC Birnin Yauri, FTC Zuru
– Jigawa: FGGC Kazaure, FGC Kiyawa, FTC Hadejia
– Niger/Kwara: FGGC Bida, FGC New Bussa, FTC Kuta-Shiroro, FGA Suleja, FGC Ilorin, FGGC Omu-Aran
– Kogi/FCT: FTC Gwanara, FGC Ugwolawo, FGGC Kabba, FTC Ogugu, FGGC Bwari, FGC Rubochi, FGGC Abaji
– Yobe/Borno: FGGC Potiskum, FGC Buni Yadi, FTC Gashua
– Adamawa: FTC Michika, FGC Ganye
– Bauchi/Gombe: FGC Azare, FTC Misau, FGGC Bajoga, FGC Billiri, FTC Zambuk

Out of Nigeria’s 104 Unity Colleges, the closures predominantly target northern facilities in banditry-prone zones, leaving southern schools operational for now.

Education advocates warn the move, while precautionary, could disrupt thousands of students’ academic progress and exacerbate regional disparities. The National Orientation Agency has echoed calls for fortified school defenses, as security forces intensify operations in affected areas.

As investigations into recent abductions probe potential lapses—like the Papiri school’s disregard of prior closure advisories—the government faces mounting pressure to balance safety with access to education in an increasingly volatile landscape.

“We Welcome U.S., China Help With Open Arms” — Senator Shehu Sani Urges Foreign Security Assistance Amid Deepening Crisis

Toyin Adebayo
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“We Welcome U.S., China Help With Open Arms” — Senator Shehu Sani Urges Foreign Security Assistance Amid Deepening Crisis

ABUJA – As Nigeria’s security crisis enters its fifteenth year with no decisive victory in sight, former Senator Shehu Sani has called for a pragmatic approach to foreign assistance, stating that the country should welcome help from global powers like the United States and China to combat terrorism and banditry.

Speaking exclusively with NewsFocus shortly after convening a one-day high-level security summit in Abuja on Friday, the prominent civil society leader emphasized that while ultimate responsibility for security rests with Nigeria, external support could prove crucial in turning the tide against persistent violence.

“When someone goes outside the family to seek help, it is because the problem can no longer be solved within the family,” Senator Sani stated, explaining the growing public inclination toward international intervention.

The summit, jointly hosted by the Africa Freedom Foundation (AFF) and Yari Roundtable, brought together policymakers, religious leaders, security experts, and civil society actors to address what participants described as a deteriorating security situation nationwide.

A Nation in Peril

Senator Sani painted a grim picture of the current reality: “Nigeria is 65 years old, and in these years we have survived storms, turbulence and strife. But today, we are confronted by gangs of terrorists and bandits who have made themselves invisible, killing our people, burning homes, kidnapping students, attacking churches and mosques.”

He particularly noted the irony that northern Nigeria remains the epicenter of violence even under administrations led by northerners, challenging the notion that regional leadership alone could solve the problem.

Foreign Help with Sovereignty Safeguards

While advocating for international assistance, Senator Sani stressed the importance of maintaining Nigerian control over security operations.

“If the U.S. or China want to help us, we welcome it with open arms,” he said. “If they know where these terrorists are, and can assist in ending this violence, we appreciate it.”

However, he added a crucial caveat: “They cannot know our country better than we do. Foreign nations must work with our security agencies so there is control, coordination and respect.”

Religious Leaders Echo Urgent Concerns

The summit featured passionate appeals from both Christian and Muslim leaders, who united in their condemnation of the ongoing bloodshed.

Archbishop Dr. James Malgit of the Plateau Diocese decried what he termed a “season of national mourning without end,” while Chief Imam Mal. Abubakar Sadiq Yusuf of Kaduna State Polytechnic warned that kidnappings in northern Nigeria are rising at an alarming rate.

Both religious representatives emphasized the need for strict monitoring of security funds, noting that any financial leakages would come at the cost of human lives.

Governance Failures at Core of Crisis

Senator Sani identified governance failures, poverty, and the state’s inability to enforce the rule of law as the root causes of insecurity, rather than religious tensions.

“For fifteen years, government after government has failed to secure the lives of our people,” he lamented. “Hundreds of billions of our own taxpayers’ money, and millions of dollars in foreign support, have been poured into defense and security, but the problem persists.”

He delivered a blunt assessment of governmental responsibility: “If you cannot protect the lives of the people, you have no reason to be in office.”

Path Forward: Dialogue and Accountability

The former lawmaker urged Nigerian leaders to shed arrogance and embrace inclusive dialogue, stating that “being in government does not mean you have the monopoly of knowledge.”

He called for transparency in security spending, accountability from leadership, and a renewed commitment to national dialogue as essential components of any sustainable solution.

Senator Sani’s final remarks underscored the human tragedy behind the security statistics: “Every day, Muslims are killed in Katsina, Christians are killed in Benue. Muslims die in Zamfara, Christians in Plateau. We bury people every day. What are we talking about? This is a matter of life and death.”

Governor Alia Clarifies Remarks on Benue Violence Amid Public Outcry

Toyin Adebayo
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Governor Alia Clarifies Remarks on Benue Violence Amid Public Outcry

BENUE STATE – Governor Hyacinth Alia has moved to clarify his recent statements regarding the persistent killings in Benue State, following a public backlash that described his initial comments as insensitive to the plight of affected communities.

The Governor’s earlier remarks, made at a forum in Abuja, had sparked widespread criticism, with many Nigerians expressing frustration on social media and radio stations. Some called for ecclesiastical sanctions against the Catholic priest-turned-politician, while others urged Benue residents to vote him out in the next election cycle.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kulas, Governor Alia asserted that his comments had been misinterpreted and were never intended to downplay the severity of the violence.

“It is important for the public to understand that my administration is fully aware of the pain our people are going through. Any suggestion that I attempted to downplay the killings is incorrect,” the Governor stated.

He explained that his initial position was meant to emphasize the need for coordinated security operations and accurate reporting, rather than to undermine the suffering of victims.

The clarification comes amid calls from various quarters for the Governor to exercise the restraint expected of a religious leader. Many Nigerians had argued that his background as a Catholic priest should inform a more compassionate and measured public response.

Governor Alia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to securing lives and property, noting that the state government has strengthened its collaboration with security agencies to ensure prompt responses to attacks. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to work with local communities to enhance intelligence gathering.

The Governor appealed for calm and unity among residents, assuring that the state would continue to push for stronger federal support, including increased military deployment to restore peace in troubled areas.

While several socio-cultural groups had earlier criticized Alia for what they described as a “soft stance” on the killings, some community leaders have now urged stakeholders to prioritize collective action over political rhetoric following the Governor’s clarification.

It remains to be seen whether the statement will fully assuage public anger, but the administration has reiterated its commitment to ending the cycle of violence and restoring lasting peace across Benue State.

Follow Newsfocus for more updates on this developing story.

Nigeria Saves N4bn as FG Secures Landmark Arbitration Victory in Ajaokuta Steel Contract Case

Toyin Adebayo
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Nigeria Saves N4bn as FG Secures Landmark Arbitration Victory in Ajaokuta Steel Contract Case

ABUJA – The Federal Government has secured a major legal victory, saving the nation over N4 billion in liabilities after an arbitration tribunal dismissed a long-standing claim by construction firm Fougerolle regarding a decades-old contract in the Ajaokuta steel complex.

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), expressed satisfaction with the favourable final arbitral award issued on November 11, 2025, by a Tribunal constituted under the Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre of the Federal High Court.

The case originated from a contract dated March 31, 1981, between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a joint venture of Fougerolle Nigeria Ltd and Fougerolle SA, a French company, for construction of civil works at the iron and steel complex in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.

According to a statement from Kamarudeen Ogundele, Special Assistant to the President on Communication and Publicity in the AGF’s office, the claimant had sought additional payment of N3,846,098,403.00 and €185,733,496.00, despite having previously accepted a final settlement.

“The Federal Government engaged Messrs Price WaterCooperhouse to verify any indebtedness due to Fougerolle after terminating the contract,” the statement revealed. “This led to payment of N3,894,600,000.00 to Fougerolle via FGN Bonds on September 11, 2006.”

Crucially, Fougerolle had signed an indemnity on September 8, 2006, accepting this sum as “full and final settlement.” However, over 16 years later, the company initiated fresh arbitration proceedings in December 2022.

The Tribunal upheld the Federal Government’s preliminary objections, ruling the claims were statute-barred and disclosed no reasonable cause of action. The judges noted that the FGN bonds coupled with Fougerolle’s indemnity had extinguished the debt.

Even when considering the case on its merits, the Tribunal found that Fougerolle failed to establish its case and had indeed waived all rights to further claims against the Federal Government. The Tribunal also rejected Fougerolle’s expropriation claim and its assertion that the indemnity was signed under duress.

“The entire case was eventually dismissed thereby saving FGN of over N4 billion liabilities,” the statement confirmed.

The AGF emphasized that the case was successfully defended by officers of the Federal Ministry of Justice, highlighting the administration’s commitment to building the capacity of ministry officials to defend sensitive litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution matters.

This decision underscores the current administration’s determination to challenge all predatory and opportunistic claims against Nigeria, while also promoting ADR as an effective dispute resolution mechanism.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Condemns Kanu’s Life Sentence, Urges Tinubu to Seek Political Solution

Toyin Adebayo
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0
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Condemns Kanu’s Life Sentence, Urges Tinubu to Seek Political Solution

ABUJA – The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has strongly criticized the life imprisonment sentence handed to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, warning that the judgment could exacerbate tensions in the Southeast and undermine national unity.

In a statement issued on Friday by its spokesman, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, the organization expressed deep disappointment with the ruling delivered by Justice James Omotosho, describing it as a development capable of inflaming sentiments in a region already grappling with fragility.

The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, while appealing for calm amid rising public anger, has called on well-meaning Nigerians to join in urging President Bola Tinubu to pursue a political resolution to the crisis.

“Beyond the legal questions, the Igbo nation is deeply troubled by the pattern of harsh treatment meted out in this case, which many perceive as reflective of ethnic bias,” Dr. Chukwu stated. He emphasized that this growing perception is eroding trust in national institutions and striking at the core of the dignity and integrity of the Igbo people.

The organization also linked the worsening insecurity in the Southeast to the prolonged detention of Kanu, noting that his incarceration has become a flashpoint for unrest, frustration, and youth radicalization.

“Ohanaeze is equally alarmed by the worsening insecurity in the Southeast, much of which is tied to the prolonged detention of Kanu. Continued hardline responses will only deepen instability,” the statement read.

Ohanaeze reiterated that a political solution, not “cruel punishment,” remains the most viable path to restoring calm in the region and fostering genuine national reconciliation. It urged President Tinubu to embrace dialogue as a means of addressing the underlying grievances.

“Nigeria stands at a crossroads. Only justice anchored on fairness, sensitivity, and inclusiveness can preserve the unity we all desire,” Chukwu added.

The life sentence for Kanu has ignited significant discourse across the country, with many watching closely to see how the Federal Government will respond to calls for a political settlement amid concerns over regional stability and national cohesion.

Kebbi Governor Demands Answers as Troop Withdrawal Precedes School Abduction

Toyin Adebayo
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0
Kebbi Governor Demands Answers as Troop Withdrawal Precedes School Abduction

KEBBI STATE – In a dramatic revelation that has raised serious questions about security operations, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has demanded immediate explanations from military authorities over the withdrawal of troops from a school just 45 minutes before it was attacked by bandits who abducted dozens of schoolgirls.

The governor’s outcry came on Thursday while receiving the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, who led a solidarity visit to the state over the abduction at Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area.

Governor Idris expressed deep concern over the security lapse, revealing that the state government had provided prior intelligence alerts about a potential attack. “We provided intelligence reports. We alerted them. So, who gave the order for troops to withdraw at that critical hour?” the governor questioned, his voice laden with frustration.

According to the governor’s account, soldiers who had been stationed at the school as part of enhanced security measures for vulnerable border communities were withdrawn around 3:00 am. The attackers struck less than 45 minutes later, at approximately 3:45 am, seizing the students in the cover of darkness.

The incident represents another devastating blow to Nigeria’s efforts to secure educational institutions in the violence-plagued northwestern region. This abduction follows a similar pattern seen just days earlier in Niger State, where bandits attacked St. Mary’s Private Secondary School in Papiri, abducting students and staff.

“What makes this particular case deeply troubling is that we had taken proactive measures, shared intelligence, and received assurances of protection,” Governor Idris stated. “The withdrawal of troops at such a critical hour contradicts earlier security assurances and demands thorough investigation.”

The governor’s demand for accountability comes amid growing national outrage over the persistent insecurity in northern Nigeria. Since the infamous Chibok abduction in 2014, at least 1,500 students have been kidnapped from educational institutions across the region, often held for ransom or used as bargaining chips by criminal elements.

NLC President Joe Ajaero, while expressing solidarity with the state and families of the abducted students, urged federal security agencies to intensify efforts toward the girls’ safe rescue. “This pattern of attacks on our educational institutions must stop. We cannot continue to gamble with the future of our children,” Ajaero emphasized.

Security analysts have described the timing of the troop withdrawal as “highly suspicious” and potentially indicative of either intelligence failure or possible compromise within security arrangements. The incident has prompted calls for a comprehensive review of security protocols around schools in vulnerable areas.

As of press time, military authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the governor’s allegations. However, security operations are reportedly ongoing in the surrounding forests of Kebbi State, with combined teams of military and police personnel working to locate and rescue the abducted students.

The situation remains tense in Kebbi State, with parents and community leaders awaiting both the safe return of the students and transparent answers about the security failures that led to this tragedy.

Jonathan, Adebayo, Ozekhome Advocate for New Development Blueprint for Niger Delta

Toyin Adebayo
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ABUJA – A coalition of prominent Nigerian leaders has called for a decisive and unified national strategy to unlock the Niger Delta’s vast economic potential, arguing that the region’s development is crucial for the nation’s overall stability and prosperity.

The calls were made at the public presentation of “The Hidden Treasures,” a book by Deacon Chris Iyowaye, which served as a platform for urgent dialogue on the region’s future.

Former President Jonathan Calls for Stability and Investment

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by his former Chief of Staff, Dr. Mike Ogiadomhe, emphasized that development cannot flourish amidst instability. He urged a collaborative approach involving government, investors, and local communities.

“The Niger Delta must not remain trapped in old challenges,” Jonathan stated. “We must work together… to build a region that is stable, prosperous, and fully integrated into Nigeria’s development agenda.”

He highlighted the need for stronger institutions, modern infrastructure, and sustained investment in education and technology as foundational pillars for progress.

Adebayo: Nigeria “Too Blessed to Be Poor”

Prince Adewole Adebayo, former Presidential candidate and chief launcher at the event, delivered a stark message on national leadership. He declared that Nigeria’s poverty is unjustifiable given its immense resource wealth.

“Nigeria is too blessed to be poor. Every square inch of this country contains treasure,” Adebayo asserted, placing special emphasis on the Niger Delta. He critiqued the failure of successive leaders to identify and harness these assets, stating, “Some treasures appear hidden because leadership has been blind to them.”

Ozekhome Frames Book as a “Movement” for Rejuvenation

In a keynote address delivered by Prof. Ezekiel Abalaba, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Senior Advocate of Nigeria Prof. Mike Ozekhome hailed “The Hidden Treasures” as a transformative work. He described it as “a literary goldmine,” “an economic forecast,” and “a development blueprint.”

Ozekhome argued for a paradigm shift, stating that the Niger Delta should be treated as a critical growth engine for Nigeria, not merely a zone for resource extraction. He urged policymakers to leverage the book’s insights on digital innovation, security, and inclusive economic reforms.

A Call to Action from a Former Minister

Chairman of the occasion, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Major General Ike Nwachukwu, challenged Nigerians to move beyond criticism to active participation. “Nations are not rebuilt by spectators,” he declared, stressing that meaningful civic engagement is essential for national transformation.

Author Commits to Tangible Development

The author, Deacon Chris Iyowaye, revealed that the book is the product of nearly two decades of research. He positioned it as a corrective to narratives that define the Niger Delta only by its conflicts and oil, instead portraying it as “a reservoir of brilliance and untapped potential” in agriculture, solid minerals, and marine resources.

Iyowaye announced that the book provides the conceptual foundation for the New Crete Oil Foundation, an initiative that will direct proceeds toward providing clean water, agricultural training for women, and leadership programs for the youth in the region.

“If we do not invest in our people, we have no moral right to speak of transformation,” Iyowaye said. “This project is not just a publication—it is a commitment.”

Adebayo Declares Nigeria “Too Blessed to Be Poor,” Blames Leadership Failures

Toyin Adebayo
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Adebayo Declares Nigeria “Too Blessed to Be Poor,” Blames Leadership Failures

ABUJA –Prince Adewole Adebayo, a former Presidential candidate, has asserted that Nigeria’s pervasive poverty is a result of leadership failure, not a lack of resources, stating the nation is sitting on immense “hidden treasures” waiting to be harnessed.

Adebayo made the declaration on Friday in Abuja as the chief launcher at the public presentation of The Hidden Treasures, a book authored by Deacon Chris Iyowaye. He argued that every part of Nigeria holds sufficient human and natural wealth to guarantee national prosperity if properly managed.

“Nigeria is too blessed to be poor. Every square inch of this country contains treasure—human, mineral, solid, liquid, surface and subterranean,” Adebayo stated. “It is impossible for a country with this level of endowment to be poor. Some treasures appear hidden because leadership has been blind to them.

He identified the Niger Delta as a prime example of Nigeria’s strategic value and untapped potential, noting that the region has sustained the national economy and global energy markets for over a century.

“The Niger Delta carries resources that many nations can only dream of,” he said. “Nigeria must repay the Niger Delta with gratitude and development.”

Adebayo emphasized that the nation’s transformation hinges on internal discovery and innovation rather than reliance on external aid or solutions.

“The world is eager to exploit our resources because they see what we fail to see,” he said. “Leadership must stop waiting for windfalls. We must collectively discover, refine and deploy our treasures.”

Author Envisions a Post-Oil Future for Niger Delta

The author of the book, Deacon Chris Iyowaye, explained that The Hidden Treasures is the product of nearly two decades of research and is intended to redefine the narrative around the Niger Delta, shifting the focus from conflict and oil to its vast untapped potential.

He described the region as “a reservoir of brilliance” and warned that global shifts away from hydrocarbons make it imperative for Nigeria to prepare for a post-oil economy.

“Beyond oil and gas, there are treasures—solid minerals, marine resources, agriculture, and human capital—waiting to be responsibly harnessed,” Iyowaye said. “The tragedy is not the absence of wealth, but our failure to develop it.”

He announced that the book provides the conceptual foundation for the New Crete Oil Foundation, an initiative that will channel proceeds from book sales into community development projects in the Niger Delta. These projects will focus on providing clean drinking water, training women in modern agriculture, and funding youth leadership and educational programs.

“If we do not invest in our people, we have no moral right to speak of transformation,” Iyowaye stated. “This project is not just a publication—it is a commitment to shaping a better future.”

Intelligence Links School Abductions to Retaliation for Airstrike That Killed Top Terror Commander

Ola Akinola
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Intelligence Links School Abductions to Retaliation for Airstrike That Killed Top Terror Commander

ABUJA –Fresh intelligence reports indicate that the recent mass abductions of schoolchildren in Niger and Kebbi States are likely retaliatory attacks by a terrorist faction following the killing of a key commander, Babangida, in a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrike.

According to credible security sources who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the airstrike occurred on November 18th on the outskirts of Kurebe community, neutralizing several terrorists. Babangida, a key lieutenant to the notorious bandit kingpin Dogo Gideh, later succumbed to injuries sustained in the attack while receiving treatment.

The death of the commander has been met with relief in communities along the riverside axis of Shiroro, where residents have been celebrating the development. However, the security victory appears to have triggered a violent backlash.

A senior security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the subsequent school abductions were likely orchestrated by Babangida’s loyalists. The attacks are seen as a retaliatory show of force, aimed at reasserting the faction’s dominance after suffering a significant operational and psychological blow.

The faction’s distress was further evidenced when community leaders from villages including Kwaki, Buresidna, and Chukuba visited the Palleli home of Dogo Gideh’s mother on November 19th, where she was observed in a state of mourning.

A senior intelligence officer, who also requested anonymity, described Babangida’s elimination as “a significant blow” to the terrorist network. However, he issued a stern warning, noting that the faction remains dangerous and may attempt further reprisal attacks.

“We assess that this faction may attempt additional reprisals targeting vulnerable communities, schools, and security personnel,” the officer said.

In response, security agencies have been placed on heightened alert. The officer confirmed that ongoing military and intelligence operations have been intensified with a dual focus: to prevent further attacks and to facilitate the rescue of the abducted students.

Military authorities have reiterated their commitment to sustaining coordinated land and air operations until the capabilities of terror groups are fully degraded across the region.

Zelensky Signals Readiness for US-Backed Ukraine Peace Talks, Despite Demands for Major Concessions

Toyin Adebayo
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0
Zelensky Signals Readiness for US-Backed Ukraine Peace Talks, Despite Demands for Major Concessions

KYIV, Ukraine** – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed willingness Thursday to engage “constructively” with a leaked US-Russia peace proposal for ending the nearly four-year war, even as it demands Kyiv cede territory, slash its military, and abandon NATO ambitions—terms long deemed unacceptable.

The 28-point draft, hammered out quietly by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian counterpart Kirill Dmitriev, emerged amid Russian advances in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region and a domestic corruption probe engulfing Zelensky’s top officials, including a $100 million scandal. Presented to Zelensky by US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll during a Kyiv visit, the plan envisions Ukraine relinquishing swathes of Donetsk it still holds, capping its forces at 600,000 troops, and forgoing NATO membership in exchange for vague “reliable security guarantees”—potentially including NATO-style protections and European jets in Poland.

Kyiv would also disarm much of its arsenal, while Russia anticipates sanction relief, G7 reintegration (reviving the G8), and a non-aggression pledge from NATO. Zelensky, in his evening address, reiterated Ukraine’s core stance: “We need a real peace—one that won’t allow a third invasion.” He plans direct talks with President Donald Trump soon to refine the “American vision,” appreciating US efforts to bolster European security but insisting on a “worthy peace” honoring Ukrainian dignity.

The White House, via Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, dismissed claims of Ukrainian exclusion, insisting the plan—developed over a month with input from both sides—is “good for both” and prioritizes a “lasting, durable peace.” A senior US official told CBS News that Zelensky’s defense minister, Rustem Umerov, endorsed most points after tweaks, though a Ukrainian MP countered that Kyiv joined discussions late.

European allies, sidelined in the drafting, voiced caution. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called it a mere “list of topics and options,” not a finalized blueprint, echoing US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stressed: “For any plan to work, it needs Ukrainians and Europeans onboard.” With US aid now largely shouldered by NATO partners like the UK and France—who’ve pledged peacekeeping forces—Brussels fears the proposal tilts heavily toward Moscow’s maximalist demands, tantamount to “surrender” in Kyiv’s view.

Moscow downplayed the document, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noting mere “contacts” but no formal consultations. He insisted any deal address the “root causes”—code for Russia’s territorial claims, including annexed Crimea and four partially occupied regions.

Trump’s push reflects frustration after an August Alaska summit with Putin yielded no breakthroughs; fresh sanctions on Russian oil giants Rosneft and Gazprom take effect Friday. Since reclaiming office, Trump has dispatched Witkoff to Moscow multiple times and hosted Zelensky, aiming for a swift resolution as the invasion’s fourth anniversary looms.

Yet the battlefield offers little respite. Russian strikes Thursday killed five in Zaporizhzhia and targeted Ternopil’s apartments, claiming 26 lives earlier this week with 17 still missing. Ukraine’s drone assaults on Russian infrastructure persist, but Moscow’s incremental gains underscore the war’s grind.

Analysts see Zelensky’s measured tone as diplomatic tightrope-walking: embracing talks to sustain US support while bracing for concessions that could fracture domestic unity. As one Kyiv-based expert noted, “This isn’t peace—it’s a pause, unless Europe amplifies Ukraine’s voice.” With Trump eyeing an “aggressive timeline,” the coming days may test whether flexibility yields resolution or merely prolongs the agony.

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