Biden and Netanyahu have finally talked, but their visions still clash for ending Israel-Hamas war

President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finally spoke Friday after a glaring, nearly four-week gap in direct communication during which fundamental differences have come into focus over a possible pathway to Palestinian statehood once the fighting in Gaza ends.

Biden and his top aides have all but smothered Netanyahu with robust support, even in the face of global condemnation over the mounting civilian death toll and humanitarian suffering in Gaza as the Israelis have carried out military operations in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

But the leaders’ relationship has increasingly shown signs of strain as Netanyahu has repeatedly rebuffed Biden’s calls for Palestinian sovereignty, gumming up what the U.S. president believes is the key to unlocking a durable peace in the Middle East — the oft-cited, elusive two-state solution.

Neither side shows signs of budging.

Friday’s phone call came one day after Netanyahu said that he has told U.S. officials in plain terms that he will not support a Palestinian state as part of any postwar plan. Biden, for his part, in Friday’s call reaffirmed his commitment to work toward helping the Palestinians move toward statehood.

“As we’re talking about post-conflict Gaza ... you can’t do that without also talking about the aspirations of the Palestinian people and what that needs to look like for them,” said National Security Council spokesman John Kirby.

The leaders spoke frequently in the first weeks of the war. But the regular cadence of calls between Biden and Netanyahu, who have had a hot-and-cold relationship for over three decades, has slowed considerably. Their 30- to 40-minute call Friday was their first conversation since Dec. 23.

Both sides are hemmed in by domestic political considerations.

The chasm between Biden, a center-left Democrat, and Netanyahu, who leads the most conservative government in Israel’s history, has expanded as pressure mounts on the United States to use its considerable leverage to press Israel to wind down a war that has already killed nearly 25,000 Palestinians.

There is also growing impatience with Netanyahu in Israel over the lack of progress in freeing dozens of hostages still held by Islamic militants in Gaza.

“There is certainly a reason to be concerned,” says Eytan Gilboa, an expert on U.S.-Israeli relations at Israel’s Bar-Ilan University, “The more and more we see political considerations dominating the relationship between Biden and Netanyahu, which is likely to continue because of the upcoming presidential election and the weakness of both leaders, the more we will see them pulling apart.”

In their most recent calls, Biden’s frustration with Netanyahu has grown more evident, even though the U.S. leader has been careful to reaffirm his support for Israel at each step, according to U.S. officials who requested anonymity to discuss the leaders’ private interactions.

Yet, Biden, at least publicly, has not given up on the idea of winning over Netanyahu. Asked by a reporter on Friday if a two-state solution is impossible while Netanyahu is in office, Biden replied, “No, it’s not.”

Aides insist Biden understands the political box Netanyahu finds himself in with his hard-right coalition and as he deals with ongoing corruption charges that have left the prime minister fighting for his freedom, not just his political future.

Biden, meanwhile, faces American voters in November, in a likely rematch with former President Donald Trump. Netanyahu and Trump forged a close relationship during the Republican’s term in office. Biden faces criticism from some on his left who believe he hasn’t pushed the Israelis hard enough to demonstrate restraint as it carries out military operations.

Key Democratic lawmakers, including Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, this week warned that Netanyahu’s position on statehood could complicate negotiations in the Senate on a spending package that includes military aid for Israel.

Expect Netanyahu to “use every trick that he has to keep his coalition together and avoid elections and play out the clock,” said Michael Koplow, chief policy officer at the Israel Policy Forum. ”And I’m sure that part of it is a conviction that if he waits until November, he may end up with Donald Trump back in the Oval Office.”

In recent weeks, some of the more difficult conversations have been left to Ron Dermer, a top aide to Netanyahu and former Israeli ambassador to the U.S., and Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan. The two top aides talk almost daily — sometimes multiple times during a day, according to a U.S. official and an Israeli official, who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Other senior Biden administration officials including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, as well as senior advisers Brett McGurk and Amos Hochstein, have been at the forefront of the administration’s push to engage the Israelis and other Middle East allies as the Biden-Netanyahu dialogue has become less constructive.

Netanyahu, who has opposed calls for a two-state solution throughout his political career, told reporters this week that he flatly told U.S. officials he remains opposed to any postwar plan that includes establishment of a Palestinian state.

The prime minister’s latest rejection of Biden’s push in that direction came after Blinken this week said at the World Economic Forum in Davos that Israel and its Middle East neighbors had “a profound opportunity” to solve the generational Israel-Palestinian conflict. Asked if he thought Netanyahu was up to making the most of the moment, Blinken demurred.

“Look, these are decisions for Israelis to make,” Blinken said. “This is a profound decision for the country as a whole to make: What direction does it want to take? Does it see — can it seize — the opportunity that we believe is there?”

The Biden-Netanyahu relationship has seen no shortage of peaks and valleys over the years. As vice president, Biden privately criticized Netanyahu after the the Israeli leader embarrassed President Barack Obama by approving the construction of 1,600 new apartments in disputed East Jerusalem in the middle of Biden’s 2010 visit to Israel.

Netanyahu publicly resisted, before eventually relenting to, Biden’s calls on the Israelis to wind down a May 2021 military operation in Gaza. And in late 2019, during a question and answer session with voters on the campaign trail, Biden called Netanyahu an “extreme right” leader.

The path to a two-state solution — one in which Israel would co-exist with an independent Palestinian state — has eluded U.S. presidents and Middle East diplomats for decades.

But as the war grinds on, Biden and his team have pressed the notion that there is a new dynamic in the Middle East in which Israel’s Arab and Muslim neighbors stand ready to integrate Israel into the region once the war ends, but only if Israel commits to a pathway to a Palestinian state.

Biden has proposed that a “revitalized” Palestinian Authority, which is based in the West Bank, could run Gaza once combat ends. Netanyahu has roundly rejected the idea of putting the Palestinian Authority, which is beset by corruption, in charge of the territory.

Netanyahu argues that a Palestinian state would become a launchpad for attacks on Israel. So Israel “must have security control over the entire territory west of the Jordan River,” Netanyahu said. “That collides with the idea of sovereignty. What can we do?”

White House officials have sought to play down Netanyahu’s public rejection of Biden’s call for a two-state solution, noting that the prime minister’s rhetoric is not new.

They hold out hope Israel could eventually come around to accepting a Palestinian state that comes with strong security guarantees for Israel.

“I don’t think Biden has any illusions about Netanyahu,” said Daniel Kurtzer, who served as U.S. ambassador to Egypt during the Bill Clinton administration and to Israel under George W. Bush. “But I don’t think he’s ready to slam the door on him. And that’s because he gets the intersection between the policy and the politics.”

AP

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

Kiev has lost nearly 500 pieces of Western war machinery – Moscow

Kiev lost over 500 pieces of military and special equipment while trying to break through Russian fortifications during the course of its largely unsuccessful counteroffensive launched last summer, 

according to the chief of Russia’s Engineering Troops, Lt. Gen. Yury Stavitsky.

Russian defensive fortifications have proven to be highly effective against Ukraine’s hardware, including Western-supplied equipment, he claimed in an interview with the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper published on Friday.

Among those losses were over 180 pieces of Western-supplied materiel, including German-designed Leopard tanks and US-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, Stavitsky said.

Russia’s Defense Ministry estimated earlier this month that Kiev had received more than $203 billion in foreign assistance since the outbreak of the conflict and had been supplied with over 1,600 pieces of missile and artillery equipment, over 200 air defense systems, 5,220 tanks and armored vehicles, and more than 23,000 drones.

Stavitsky noted that Russian military engineers made a “significant contribution” in repelling the Ukrainian counteroffensive and had constructed an impressive defense system, despite harsh weather and the mass use of high-precision weapons and UAVs by Kiev’s forces.

The commander stated that by the time Kiev had launched its summer operation, Russia had already dug out more than 3,600 kilometers of trenches and communication passages, created over 150,000 trench shelters for equipment, and weaponized over 4,500 dugouts and 12,000 reinforced concrete structures.

“Thus, by the time the enemy launched its counteroffensive, there was already a deeply echeloned system of defensive lines, positions and areas in place that was up to 120 kilometers deep along the entire line of combat,” the official explained.

“Considering the scale and timing of the tasks, we can say with confidence that this is an unprecedented case in the history of wars and armed conflicts,” Stavitsky stated. He added that the fortified defense lines have made it possible to “increase the survivability of Russian troops and the effectiveness of the use of weapons and military equipment by five to six times.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin proclaimed earlier this week that Kiev’s much-touted counteroffensive had “completely failed” and that Ukraine’s statehood was now under threat of being dealt “an irreparable and very serious blow.”

Russia’s Defense Ministry has described Kiev’s losses throughout the conflict as catastrophic, estimating that the Ukrainian military has lost nearly 400,000 troops – killed and wounded – since February 2022, including over 160,000 during its counteroffensive, launched in early June.

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Russian oil depot on fire after attempted Ukrainian drone attack

Four oil tanks at a large storage facility in the town of Klintsy in Russia's western Bryansk region caught fire on Friday after the military brought down a Ukrainian strike drone there, Alexander Bogomaz, the regional governor, said.

Aided by a specialised firefighting train, firefighters tackled what he said was a serious blaze at the facility controlled by oil major Rosneft. Nobody was hurt in the attack, he added.

"An aeroplane-style drone was brought down by the defence ministry using radio-electronic means. When the aerial target was destroyed, its munitions were dropped on the territory of the Klintsy oil depot," Bogomaz wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

He said air defence units had brought down two other Ukrainian drones on Friday over other parts of Bryansk, a region that borders Ukraine.

Both Russia and Ukraine have targeted each other's energy infrastructure in strikes designed to disrupt supply lines and logistics and to demoralise their opponent as they try to get the edge in a nearly two-year war that shows no sign of ending.

Bogomaz posted footage that showed firefighters directing water hoses at giant flames around the storage tanks, at least one of which looked to have been badly damaged, as thick smoke filled the air.

Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukraine's GUR military intelligence agency, neither confirmed nor denied Ukraine had been behind the attack, but said "such events regularly occur at the aggressor state's military facilities".

Yusov told national TV he expected the incident to complicate logistics for Russian troops, increasing Ukrainian forces' "room for manoeuvre".

Several Ukrainian media, citing sources in the security services, said the GUR, which did not immediately reply to a request for comment, was behind the strike.

A gunpowder factory in the Tambov region had also been targeted and the results of that strike effort were being clarified, the Ukrainska Pravda outlet quoted a source as saying.

Russia's TASS state news agency said the fire at the oil depot covered an area of around 1,000 square metres with other reports saying it was getting bigger.

Earlier on Friday, the Russian Defence Ministry said it had destroyed a Ukrainian drone in the skies over the Bryansk region, where authorities regularly report drone attacks from Ukraine.

A Russian-appointed official said on Thursday Ukraine had tried and failed to target a Russian Baltic Sea oil terminal with a drone, in what appeared to be a rare attempt to strike a facility in St Petersburg.

A Ukrainian government minister was quoted by the Interfax-Ukraine news agency on Thursday as saying that Ukraine had hit targets in St Petersburg using a domestically produced drone that flew 1,250 km (775 miles).

RT/Reuters

The Rail Bus, a pioneering mode of transportation originating in Zhuzhou, China, is a groundbreaking discovery. Introduced by the Chinese manufacturer CRRC, this self-driving vehicle, resembling a train but without tracks, completed its inaugural journey in 2017. The Rail Bus seeks to revolutionise traditional concepts of buses, trains, and trams.

The design of the Rail Bus was presented to the public in June 2023, and remarkably, within a span of fewer than five months, CRRC initiated testing on October 30, 2017. Covering a 3-kilometer route with stops at four stations in Zhuzhou, this marked a significant milestone in transportation evolution.

Operating beyond the confines of tracks, it navigates urban streets by tracing painted road markings. These meticulously designed markings serve as its guide, detected by sensors fitted beneath the vehicle. These sensors, equipped with advanced technology, capture minute details of the road, ensuring an incredibly precise journey with millimeter-level accuracy.

This real-time data is a critical component, continuously transmitted to the train operators, who rely on this information to make swift, informed decisions, ensuring the safety, efficiency, and seamless navigation of this revolutionary mode of transportation. This groundbreaking approach not only redefines the conventional idea of trains but also paves the way for a new era of flexible, urban transit systems.

Implementing this transport scheme costs just 25 percent of the subway system's expenses in China. For example, subway systems in China have an estimated cost between $57 million to $100 million, while the Rail Bus network's construction is estimated to be only 20 percent of this cost. This inspires urban planners and policymakers worldwide to consider adopting this efficient transportation solution.

Positioned as a cheaper alternative to current transportation systems in China, the electric Rail Bus requires only ten minutes of charging to cover 25 kilometres. This cost-effective and sustainable solution can reach speeds of up to 43 miles per hour and has a lifespan of around 25 years.

CRRC envisions full automation of the trains in the future. While a driver is present in the compartments, their intervention is minimal, reducing traffic congestion on roads significantly.

The Rail Bus network commenced operations in early 2018, with each Rail Bus capable of accommodating up to 300 passengers. This unique mode of transport represents a significant step toward the future of sustainable and efficient urban transportation.

China leads among developing economies in innovative transportation. Concepts like those released in 2016, even if unrealized, showcase China's commitment to offering unique modes of transport, such as the Rail Bus. There are only four stations along the 3.1-kilometer stretch where the electric train operates. The train was recently automated and has been in regular service since 2018. There are only four stations along the 3.1-kilometer stretch where the electric train operates. The train was recently automated and has been in regular service since 2018.

Times of India

At the end of 2015, I felt stuck. After a near-death experience, I had to quit my job and retire early to prioritize my health.

My health improved, but the rest of my life did not. I felt bored and purposeless in retirement, and my relationships suffered. I started to wonder, “Is this all there is?”

In search of answers, I signed up for a 30-day silent retreat in St. Beuno’s, a former Jesuit seminary in North Wales that’s now a spiritual retreat center.

At first, spending 30 days in silence was harder than I thought. But I was eventually able to meditate on how to live a happy, regret-free life.

Here are four lessons I took home with me:

1. Trying to control outcomes will make you miserable.

Before the retreat, I was a control freak. The idea of “letting go” in any part of my life was out of the question.

Nestled in Denbighshire, Wales, St. Bueno’s has been a retreat center since 1980.

Photo: George Jerjian

But during an exercise at St Bueno’s, I was asked to think about what I truly had control over. I realized that just one unanticipated event could send my life into chaos. I reflected on how much time I spent worrying about outcomes that I couldn’t predict or control.

Now, when I want something good to happen, I imagine that it has already happened and feel grateful for it. This mindset helps me move forward. By focusing on taking the next steps, I am no longer focusing on the outcome.

2. If you’re not thankful, you’re not thinking straight.

Research has shown that gratitude blocks toxic emotions like envy and regret, reduces stress, and improves happiness.

During the retreat, I was in a challenging period of my life. At one point, I was asked to reflect on all the homes I had lived in, and what good and bad things happened there.

It dawned on me that no opportunity in my life could have come about without the preceding crisis, so I should appreciate every moment.

Try this exercise: Write down all the great times in your life, or the moments you are most proud of. Then, next to it, list the difficult moment that gave you the skills or created the opportunity to achieve those goals.

3. To find purpose, follow your passion.

Money always came first in my career. I never stopped to ask questions like, “What work should I do based on my interests and feelings?”

During the retreat, though, I had nothing to think about but my feelings.

Three weeks in, I broke down weeping thinking about all the people I had hurt. But on the last day, the tears came from a place of joy and love. I realized that my true fear was hurting others, and that my passion was helping people.

I had a lot of time alone at St. Bueno’s to reflect on my life and the beauty of the nature around me.

In the years after the retreat, I chose to unretire and serve retirees with my coaching business.

Ask yourself: “What am I most afraid of? What activity do I lose all sense of time in?” Try answering these questions five times, and each time provide a different response. The answers might surprise you.

4. We are not always who we think we are.

For 60 years, I constructed a persona based on what my parents, teachers, employers, partners and friends wanted.

I never thought about who I was beyond those external pressures. I had spent decades lost and ashamed of who I really was.

Think about whether there’s something about yourself that you hide from the world. Try to embrace that thing. For me, it was gentleness and understanding that changed my life.

George Jerjian is the author of “Dare to Discover Your Purpose: Retire, Refire, Rewire.”

CNBC

Central Bank of Nigeria still lacks the foreign exchange to clear the backlog of demand, and the country's high interest payment to revenue ratio weighs on its sovereign credit rating, Fitch said on Thursday.

Africa's largest economy has thus far cleared just $2 billion of a backlog of some $7 billion in forex forwards revealed after President Bola Tinubu took office last year.

Tinubu took quick action on key fiscal reforms - including slashing petrol subsidies and loosening controls on the naira to narrow the gap between official and parallel rates.

But Gaimin Nonyane, director of Middle East and Africa sovereigns with Fitch, said foreign exchange shortages in Nigeria would keep pressure on the naira, where there is currently a 30% gap between the official and parallel rates.

"We think that the CBN is still very well short of the amount it needs to be able to clear the foreign exchange backlog and also meet the extremely large external financing by the private sectors," Nonyane said in a webinar.

Nonyane said Fitch expected the naira to end the year just above 900 against the dollar.

The official rate is currently at 846 to the dollar, but has wildly fluctuated, going past 1,299 this month, according to LSEG data.

She added there had been some backtracking in fuel subsidy elimination. Tinubu allowed prices to triple in May, but naira pump prices have not moved since July despite global price fluctuations and significant naira weakness.

Nonyane and Toby Iles, Fitch's head of Middle East and Africa sovereigns, also warned that Nigeria's ratio of interest payments to revenue at above 40% - four times the median for B-rated sovereigns - was a key weakness for its credit rating.

Fitch currently rates Nigeria at B- with a stable outlook.

Across Africa, Iles said interest-to-revenue ratios had more than doubled since 2014 due to increased borrowing coupled with global interest rate hikes that boosted costs.

"We expect that ratio to continue to rise given the pass through of rates," Iles said of African sovereigns.

Reuters

Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), says the quest for bribes by the agency’s investigators has become “too embarrassing”.

In his New Year address to the staff of the commission on Thursday, Olukoyede said the “major objective” of the war against corruption and financial crimes globally is to drive economic development and create job opportunities for the populace.

He said there is no government agency as crucial to the nation’s quest for growth and development as the EFCC.

“We have all it takes to bring up the profile and developmental index of our nation. I urge all of you to be steadfast and committed to this clarion,” he said.

Olukoyede said public opinions about the conduct of some of EFCC’s investigators are adverse and called on the staff to show integrity and discipline.

“The craze and quest for gratification, bribes and other compromises by some of our investigators are becoming too embarrassing and this must not continue,” he said.

“Let me sound a note of warning in this regard. I will not hesitate to wield the big stick against any form of infraction by any staff of the commission.

“The department of internal affairs has been directed to be more ardent in its work and monitor every staff in all their engagements. The image of the commission is too important to be placed on the line by any corrupt officer.

“Let me also talk about the review of the arrest and bail guidelines which I expect everyone to be familiar with by now. The review is informed by the need for us to conform with international best practices in law enforcement.

“We are a civilized anti-graft agency. Arrest and bail would henceforth be done in line with the rule of law.

“Our investigators should particularly take note of this. It is important for us to understand the dynamics of the world in the area of law enforcement. Change is the most permanent fact of life.  We should not be seen to be resisting changes in our work.”

The EFCC chairman said the commission is mindful of the increasing need for the improved welfare of staff, noting that steps are being taken to address that.

“The new year promises to bring smiles on the faces of staff across all the commands. We will continue to do our best to put all of you at your best. However, to whom much is given, much is expected,” he said.

“We should dignify the privilege of being EFCC staff with proportionate responsibility. It is both a duty and an obligation.”

The Cable

Residents of 10 communities in Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State have fled their homes for fear of being attacked by a notorious bandits’ leader, Dan Nagala, who earlier sent attack threats to them.

The affected villages are Gidan Soro, Maje, Fanda Hakki, Hayin Dankaro, Doka, Dan Gamji, Galmuwar Hannu, Dan Katsina, Dakwalge and Gidan Arne.

The residents, our reporter gathered, fled their homes following a recent operation carried out by soldiers of the Operation Hadarin Daji unit.

The operatives on Tuesday stormed the famous Danbasa-Buzaya forest and recovered a large number of cows allegedly stolen and kept by Dan Nagala.

It was further learnt that the cows were being kept in the custody of another bandit, simply referred to as Zakiru, who fled the area when he heard about the impending invasion by the soldiers.

A resident of Gidan Soro village, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said three weeks ago, soldiers went to the forest and recovered a large number of Nagala’s stolen cows.

“After the incident, Nagala warned residents of the villages around the forest that if under any circumstances, the soldiers returned to the forest and collected ‘his cows’, he would attack all the villages that share borders with the forest.

“So, the soldiers went to the forest on Tuesday and recovered many cows. We are afraid Nagala can strike at any time as he promised, and that is why we fled our homes. We know the man, he is heartless, he doesn’t value human life. I can confidently tell you that because of these cattle, Nagala can wipe out all the villages around the forest”, the disturbed resident said.

Also, a resident of Dan Gamji, who fled his home on Tuesday night, lamented that: “As I am talking to you, I don’t know where my two wives and eight children are. I was at a nearby village when the news of recovery of the ‘stolen cows’ broke. Therefore, from there, I proceeded to Bungudu local government secretariat for safety.

“I called my wife on phone three times, but it was switched off. Maybe, the battery ran down or she lost the phone. I also tried her number this morning (today) and it was not going. I checked the LG secretariat where some residents are taking shelter, but I could not find them. I am now in a serious dilemma and worry about my family.  

“We ran for our dear lives because the notorious bandits’ leader can attack our villages if something is not done. We are therefore appealing to both state and federal governments to do something urgently for our safety”, he appealed.

Another resident from Dan Katsina village, who simply identified himself as Isyaku, lamented that many people including women and children spent the rest of their night in the bush because of the uncertainty, saying “the notorious bandit can attack residents in the night when many of them are asleep.

“Women and children left their homes the moment we heard about the recovery of the stolen animals. This is because, we are all aware of the warning the bandits’ leader sent to us after the first recovery. We are even lucky he did not send his boys to the affected villages immediately after the soldiers left the forest. Otherwise, it would have been a different story by now.

“The soldiers that recovered the cows ought to have remained behind to protect residents of villages around the forest. Of course, it is good to recover ‘stolen cows’, but human life is far better than animals. The government should therefore give us protection against the bandits.

“For me, if the soldiers cannot be stationed in our villages to provide security for us, they should at least not cause problems between us and the bandits. The soldiers should have allowed us to leave in peace with this man. We have been living in peace with him for a long time. The recovery of the cows may lead to a serious problem between the people living around the forest and bandits”, said Isyaku.        

Spokesperson of the Operation Hadarin Daji, Ibrahim Yahaya, in his reply to the text message sent to him by our reporter said, “Please, I am currently on a clearance operation along Danjibga general areas. I won’t be able to respond to you, please.”

Many communities sacked in four months

In the last four months, several communities across Zamfara State have been under attacks of armed bandits.

On Sunday last week, armed bandits abducted almost 50 villagers among them 36 women in Magizawa village of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of the state.

The bandits also killed three persons including the leader of a vigilante group and injured five others.

It would equally be recalled that Nagala, on November 19, led other bandits numbering about 50, attacked Ruwan Dorawa village in Maru Local Government Area of the state and abducted 17 people, including a day-old-bride and wife of the Village Head, Marafa Kabiru Makau.

The attack was described by many residents as unique, as throughout the operation that lasted for four hours, the bandits fired only a single shot which claimed the life of a policeman on duty in the village. Up till the time of filing this report, all the abducted persons are still in captivity.

Also, on November 24 last year, another notorious bandits’ leader called Damina attacked six villages in Mutunji district of Maru local government and abducted 150 persons. It was gathered that three out of the 150 abductees died of hunger while in captivity.

The attack was said to have been launched after the affected communities failed to settle the N200 million levy placed on them by Damina.

In simultaneous operations, the bandits kidnapped 18 persons in Mutunji village, 32 others in Kwanar-Dutse, 30 persons in Unguwar-Kawo, 22 people in Sabon-Garin Mahuta, 20 others in Gama-Giwa all in Maru local government.

They have also kidnapped seven people in Bulakke village in Maradun Local Government Area on the same day.

Though the bandits had contacted the families of the abducted persons through the Village Head, Makau and demanded N100 million ransom, the families agreed to pay only N5 million as the negotiation continued. The last time the bandits called, they directed for the payment of N5 million ransom per person.

Daily Trust

At least nine people have been killed after an armed militia invasion on Anyom settlement in Mbatyula Council Ward of Kastina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

Villagers blamed the attack which happened in the early hours of Wednesday on a group of rival militia who had recently been on the prowl.

The villagers disclosed that rival militia groups had been wreaking havoc in Mbatyula and Mbayongo where the late wanted criminal kingpin, Terwase Akwaza, popularly known as Gana, hailed from.

The villagers also alleged that coordinated serial attacks were  carried out in parts of Mbatyula council ward by the gunmen.

Caretaker Chairman of Kastina-Ala LGA, Zamzam Francis, confirmed the incident on telephone to our correspondent,, saying, “Really, the incident happened. it was between the rival militas. It’s among themselves. They are burning houses of innocent people and many people are suffering. That is what is happening. Nine people have been killed between Monday and Wednesday.”

Police spokesperson in the state, Catherine Anene, told our correspondent on telephone that she did not have such information at her disposal.

Daily Trust

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Ukraine buys six French Caesar howitzers, France to supply missiles

Ukraine has bought six Caesar howitzers, France's defence minister said on Thursday, adding that Paris would send 50 precision-guided missiles a month to Kyiv to aid its fight against Russia's invasion.

Speaking to France Inter radio, Sebastien Lecornu said Caesar manufacturer Nexter had managed to halve the production time of the howitzer to 15 months meaning that some 78 units would be available this year.

In Ukraine's first purchase of French-made weapons since the start of the war, Lecornu said Kyiv had bought six for between 3 million and 4 million euros ($3.3-$4.4 million) each. Ukraine currently has 49 Caesar self-propelled howitzers gifted by France and Denmark.

Lecornu later told reporters that France would also spend 50 million euros from a fund it had created for Ukraine to buy a further 12 Caeser canons which it would then send to Kyiv.

He said he hoped allies would buy 60 Caesars for around 285 million euros.

"We want to share the bill and enable European countries to share the financial burden," Lecornu said.

Ukraine's defence minister had been due in Paris on Thursday for a conference on improving artillery supplies to Kyiv, but the visit was cancelled at the last minute.

"Shortage of ammunition, shell hunger, is a very real and pressing problem that our Armed Forces are facing at present. We need to find a way to address this together," Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov told the gathering by video conference.

Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday he had thanked French President Emmanuel Macron in a phone call for Paris committing to the production of dozens of Caesar howitzers and ammunition this year.

Macron will head to Ukraine in February to finalise a deal under which Paris would deliver more sophisticated weaponry, including long-range cruise missiles, and provide long-term political, aid and reconstruction commitments.

Europeans would ramp up their support for Ukraine in the coming weeks, Macron said on Tuesday, so it could continue to defend itself, nearly two years on from Russia's full-scale invasion.

Lecornu said France would also deliver about 50 precision-guided A2SM missiles per month to Ukraine from January, adapted for Soviet-type planes.

The Safran-made missiles can carry bombs ranging from 125, 250 and 500 to 1,000 kilogrammes.

The minister also said France would also start producing from this year 3,000 155 mm shells a month, around 36,000 a year, up from just 2,000 in 2023.

Ukrainian officials say they use between 5,000-15,000 shells a day.

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

Russia files charges against 68 foreign mercenaries for fighting for Ukraine

Russia’s Investigative Committee (IC) has charged in absentia 68 more foreign mercenaries (from seven countries) for fighting for Ukraine in the special military operation, the IC’s press service informed TASS in a statement.

"In the criminal case on mercenary activities, investigators received additional materials and filed charges in absentia against 68 more nationals from 7 countries," the statement says.

Criminal proceedings are currently underway against 591 foreign citizens from 46 countries, the committee noted. According to the IC, most of them are citizens of the United States, Canada, Georgia, Israel, the United Kingdom, Germany, Lithuania and Latvia.

Reuters/Tass