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Russia Rejects Participation in Proposed Ukraine Peace Summit

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Russia Rejects Participation in Proposed Ukraine Peace Summit

Russia announced on Saturday that it will not attend a potential second Ukraine peace summit proposed for November, despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s indication that Moscow’s representatives would be invited this time.

The Russian Foreign Ministry firmly rejected the idea ahead of Zelensky’s planned visit to the United States, where he is expected to present his peace proposals to President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President Donald Trump.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated, “The summit will have the same aim: to promote the unviable ‘Zelensky formula’ as the only basis for resolving the conflict, get support for it from the world majority and with that present Russia with an ultimatum on capitulation. We will not take part in such ‘summits’.”

Instead, Moscow expressed readiness to discuss “serious proposals” that take into account the “situation on the ground made up of geopolitical realities” as described by Russian President Vladimir Putin in June. Putin had previously stated that Russia would agree to peace talks only if Ukraine cedes four regions that Moscow claims as its own.

This rejection comes as Zelensky prepares to seek further support for his peace plan from U.S. leaders. The Ukrainian president’s proposal, known as the “Zelensky formula,” has been a point of contention between Kyiv and Moscow, with Russia consistently dismissing it as unrealistic.

Ukrainian Weightlifting Champion and Sniper Dies in Combat

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Ukrainian Weightlifting Champion and Sniper Dies in Combat

Nina Pashkevych, a 47-year-old Ukrainian weightlifting champion turned expert sniper, has been killed during a combat mission in the war-torn Donetsk region, local officials announced Tuesday.

Pashkevych, who won the Ukrainian Weightlifting Championship in April after briefly returning from the frontlines, was serving as both a sniper and combat medic when she died. The circumstances of her death have not been disclosed.

The Zdolbuniv city administration in the Rivno region released a statement saying, “It is with indescribable pain that we inform you that sniper Nina Pashkevich died while performing a combat mission in Donetsk region. She will be forever 47. May she always be remembered.”

Pashkevych volunteered to fight shortly after Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Her athletic background reportedly contributed to her rise through military ranks and her effectiveness as a sniper.

Throughout her athletic career, Pashkevych earned over 100 awards in Ukraine and was honored as a Ukrainian master of sport. Her death marks a significant loss for both Ukraine’s military and sports communities.

Russian officials claim Pashkevych is the seventh female Ukrainian sniper killed during the conflict, which has now lasted over 900 days. Her death follows that of Ekaterina ‘Whiskey’ Shinkarenko, a 30-year-old mother and elite sniper, who died earlier this year.

As the war grinds on, both sides continue to suffer heavy losses. Ukrainian officials estimate Russian casualties at over 630,000 troops and 10,000 armored vehicles. Despite these losses, Russia maintains a significant advantage in manpower and resources.

Ukraine continues to call for increased Western support, emphasizing the strategic importance of their resistance against Russian expansion. Pashkevych’s death underscores the ongoing human cost of the conflict, which shows no signs of abating.

Nigeria’s Anti-Drug Agency Makes Major Arrests and Seizures

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Nigeria’s Anti-Drug Agency Makes Major Arrests and Seizures

Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made several significant arrests and drug seizures across the country, including the apprehension of an 80-year-old grandfather and the interception of opioids worth billions of naira.

In a statement released Sunday, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi announced the arrest of Aremu Shojobi, an 80-year-old man found with 14 kilograms of cannabis in the Iyana Ipaja area of Lagos State. Shojobi reportedly confessed to selling illicit drugs for the past 25 years, sourcing his supplies from Benin Republic.

In a separate operation at the Tincan port complex in Lagos, NDLEA operatives seized 25 million pills of tapentadol, an opioid three times stronger than tramadol, and 350,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup. The seizures, made on September 17 and 20, have an estimated street value of 14.95 billion naira ($18.7 million).

“The tapentadol consignment, packed in 500 cartons, was discovered in one container on September 17, while another container examined the same day contained 175,000 bottles of Barcadin cough syrup with codeine,” Babafemi stated.

The agency also raided the homes of Alhaji Bashir Mohammed Talba, a community leader in Badagry, recovering 226 kg of cannabis from his two wives and son. Talba is currently at large.

In Kano, NDLEA operatives arrested a 38-year-old drug mule, Okafor Ifeanyi Anthony, attempting to board a flight to Iran with 76 wraps of cocaine in his stomach.

Additional seizures were reported in Kogi, Niger, Rivers, and Plateau states, including large quantities of tramadol, diazepam, and cannabis.

These operations underscore the NDLEA’s intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria, targeting both street-level dealers and international smuggling operations.

Credit: punchng.com

Real Madrid Stages Thrilling Comeback to Defeat Espanyol 4-1

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Real Madrid Stages Thrilling Comeback to Defeat Espanyol 4-1

Real Madrid overcame an early second-half shock to defeat Espanyol 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, with Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe spearheading a remarkable turnaround that extends Los Blancos’ unbeaten league run to 38 matches.

The hosts dominated the first half but were frustrated by Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who made several key saves to deny Mbappe. Despite Real Madrid’s relentless pressure, which saw them control 73% of possession and register 31 shots throughout the match, the teams went into halftime deadlocked at 0-0.

Espanyol stunned the Bernabeu crowd in the opening stages of the second half when Jofre’s driven cross was inadvertently diverted into his own net by Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The goal briefly silenced the 78,000 spectators, but Real’s response was swift and decisive.

Dani Carvajal equalized in the 58th minute, capitalizing on a rare error from Garcia who failed to deal with Jude Bellingham’s low cross. The introduction of Vinicius Junior off the bench proved to be the turning point of the match.

The Brazilian winger showcased his creative brilliance in the 75th minute, providing an exquisite assist for Rodrygo with the outside of his right foot. Just three minutes later, Vinicius turned scorer, finishing off a lightning-fast counterattack initiated by Mbappe to give Real Madrid a 3-1 lead.

Mbappe, who had been a constant threat throughout the match, creating seven chances for his teammates, put the final nail in Espanyol’s coffin with an 88th-minute penalty. The French superstar sent Garcia the wrong way after Endrick was fouled in the box by Carlos Romero.

“We showed great character and quality to turn this game around,” said Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti in the post-match press conference. “Vinicius and Mbappe were exceptional in the second half, but it was a complete team performance.”

The victory moves Real Madrid to within one point of league leaders Barcelona, who face Villarreal on Sunday. For Espanyol, the defeat is a harsh reminder of the challenge they face to avoid relegation, despite their spirited first-half performance.

Real Madrid now turn their attention to a midweek clash with Alaves before a highly anticipated derby against Atletico Madrid. Espanyol, meanwhile, must regroup quickly as they prepare to host Villarreal next weekend at the RCDE Stadium.

Match Statistics:

Possession: Real Madrid 73% – 27% Espanyol

Shots: Real Madrid 31 – 10 Espanyol

Shots on target: Real Madrid 14 – 1 Espanyol

Corners: Real Madrid 9 – 4 Espanyol

Fouls: Real Madrid 7 – 5 Espanyol

Man of the Match: Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)

Dubois Shocks Joshua with Fifth-Round Knockout at Wembley

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Dubois Shocks Joshua with Fifth-Round Knockout at Wembley

Daniel Dubois delivered a stunning upset at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night, knocking out Anthony Joshua in the fifth round to retain his IBF heavyweight title and potentially end Joshua’s storied career.

In front of 96,000 spectators, the 27-year-old Dubois dominated the fight from the opening bell, dropping Joshua multiple times before landing the decisive blow – a counter right hook that left the former two-time champion sprawled on the canvas.

“Are you not entertained?” Dubois shouted to the crowd post-fight. “I’m a gladiator. I am a warrior to the bitter end. I want to get to the top level of this sport and reach my potential.”

The fight began with Dubois scoring a knockdown in the closing seconds of the first round. Joshua, visibly shaken, never fully recovered. The second and third rounds saw Dubois continue his assault, with Joshua touching the canvas multiple times.

After a closer fourth round, Joshua briefly found success in the fifth, only for Dubois to respond with the fight-ending counter right hand. Referee Howard Foster waved off the contest as Joshua struggled to regain his feet.

For Dubois, this victory marks a dramatic turnaround from his 2020 loss to Joe Joyce, where he was labeled a “quitter” after taking a knee due to an eye injury. “I’ve been on a rollercoaster run, this is my time, this is my redemption story,” Dubois said.

Joshua, now 34, suffered his fourth professional loss in 32 fights. While he hinted at continuing his career, stating “I’m a fighter for life,” his future at the elite level is uncertain.

The fight’s outcome likely derails hopes for a long-anticipated bout between Joshua and WBC champion Tyson Fury. Fury, along with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk, watched the fight from ringside.

For Dubois, the victory catapults him into the upper echelons of the heavyweight division. His team will now look to potential unification bouts or high-profile defenses of his newly-won title.

Death Toll from Israeli Strike on Beirut Rises to 37, Lebanon’s Health Ministry Says

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Death Toll from Israeli Strike on Beirut Rises to 37, Lebanon’s Health Ministry Says

Lebanon’s Health Ministry announced on Saturday that the death toll from Friday’s Israeli airstrike on a southern Beirut apartment building has risen to 37, with dozens more injured. The attack, which leveled an eight-story building in a densely populated neighborhood, marks the deadliest strike on the Lebanese capital since the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war.

Health Minister Firass Abiad told reporters that among the deceased were at least seven women and three children. An additional 68 people were injured, with 15 requiring hospitalization. Abiad warned that the casualty count could increase further, as rescue crews continue to search the rubble and 23 people remain unaccounted for.

The Israeli military confirmed that the strike targeted and killed Ibrahim Akil, a top Hezbollah official who commanded the group’s elite Radwan Force, along with Ahmed Wahbi, a high-ranking commander in Hezbollah’s military wing. Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant defended the attack, claiming it disrupted Hezbollah’s chain of command and eliminated a figure responsible for Israeli deaths.

This strike follows recent coordinated attacks on Hezbollah that used exploding pagers and walkie-talkies, signaling an escalation in Israeli tactics against the Lebanon-based militant group.

The incident has heightened tensions in the region, with both Israel and Hezbollah exchanging fire on Saturday. In response to the expected surge in rocket attacks, Israel has imposed new restrictions on gatherings in its northern communities near the Lebanese border, leading to school closures in some areas.

As rescue efforts continue and the death toll potentially rises, concerns grow about the possibility of a wider conflict that could further destabilize the region. International observers are closely monitoring the situation, fearing that this escalation could lead to a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah.

Two Dead, Three Injured in Downtown Minneapolis Shooting

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Two Dead, Three Injured in Downtown Minneapolis Shooting

A shooting in downtown Minneapolis early Saturday morning left two men dead and three others injured, including two teenage girls, according to local police.

The incident occurred just before 2 a.m. when police received reports of gunfire. Responding officers discovered five victims at the scene: two men aged 20 and 21, two girls aged 16 and 17, and a 21-year-old woman.

Both men were transported to a nearby hospital where they were later pronounced dead. The other three victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries, police reported.

Authorities believe the shooting stemmed from a confrontation between multiple groups of people. One individual has been arrested on suspicion of inciting a riot in connection with the incident.

In response to the violence, Assistant Police Chief Katie Blackwell announced increased patrols in the downtown area. The Minneapolis Police Department will collaborate with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Metro Transit Police, and a local community group to enhance security measures.

This shooting marks another violent incident in downtown Minneapolis, raising concerns about public safety in the area. City officials and law enforcement are facing pressure to address the uptick in crime and ensure the safety of residents and visitors in the city center.

As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. The identities of the victims have not been released pending notification of their families.

New York Magazine Writer Allegedly Sent Nude Photos to RFK Jr., Report Claims

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New York Magazine Writer Allegedly Sent Nude Photos to RFK Jr., Report Claims

Olivia Nuzzi, a political reporter for New York magazine, allegedly sent “demure” nude photographs of herself to former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during a “sexting” affair, according to a report by Puck News.

Kennedy’s team claimed the pair only met in person time though Puck News reported that there were multiple meet-ups.Bloomberg via Getty Images

The report, citing an unnamed source, claims that Nuzzi, 31, and Kennedy, 70, engaged in a digital relationship that included the exchange of risqué pictures. This alleged affair reportedly began after Nuzzi interviewed Kennedy for a feature article published in November.

While Kennedy’s team had previously stated that he and Nuzzi only met once for the November piece, Puck News reports there were multiple meetings. The Post has reached out to Nuzzi for comment on these allegations.

Nuzzi is currently on leave from New York Magazine amid an alleged affair with RFK Jr.Instagram / @olivianuzzix

A spokesperson for Kennedy strongly denied the latest claims, calling them “unreservedly and unconditionally false” and reiterating that Kennedy and Nuzzi met only once.

New York magazine acknowledged that Nuzzi “had engaged in a personal relationship with a former subject relevant to the 2024 campaign,” which violates the publication’s standards. Sources told The Post that the magazine’s leadership was already aware of the relationship and had confronted Nuzzi.

RFK Jr. is married to Cheryl Hines._cherylhines/Instagram

Nuzzi has stated that the relationship was “never physical” and that Kennedy was never used as a source. She apologized for not disclosing the relationship immediately to prevent the appearance of a conflict of interest.

The pair allegedly started “sexting” sometime after Nuzzi met him for a feature piece on Kennedy Jr. that is set to be published this November.Instagram/@olivianuzzix

The alleged sexting reportedly occurred while Nuzzi was engaged and Kennedy was married. Kennedy has been married to actor Cheryl Hines for over a decade.

This incident has raised questions about journalistic ethics and the relationships between reporters and their subjects. As the story continues to develop, it may have implications for both Nuzzi’s career and Kennedy’s public image.

Credit: nypost.com

Saboteur Fire Destroys Former Wagner Group Military Base in Russia

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Saboteur Fire Destroys Former Wagner Group Military Base in Russia

A massive fire engulfed a military base in Molkino, in Russia’s Krasnodar region, previously used by the notorious Wagner Group mercenaries. The blaze, which some sources suggest was an act of sabotage, destroyed several administrative buildings at the facility.

Footage circulating on social media showed intense flames consuming the former base of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the late leader of the Wagner Group. Local media outlet gulagu.net reported that the fire may have been an arson attack, stating, “Someone found it important to destroy any traces and evidence of the activities of this criminal organization, financed by the Kremlin.”

While early reports suggested a possible kamikaze drone attack, potentially from Ukraine, the Wagner-linked Telegram channel Thirteenth cited sources indicating internal sabotage. The channel claimed that “documentation, forms, personal files, communication equipment worth hundreds of millions was burned.”

The military base had been vacated by Wagner last year and was subsequently occupied by Putin’s Africa Corps, a military force run by the Russian defense ministry to protect Russian interests in African countries.

This incident comes months after the death of Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in a suspicious plane crash near Moscow, following his failed coup attempt against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The fire at the Molkino base is the latest in a series of setbacks for the Russian military. Recently, Ukrainian drones reportedly struck a massive Russian ammunition dump in the Krasnodar region, causing significant explosions. There are also unconfirmed reports of a strike on a facility in the Tver region, rumored to house Russia’s “Satan-2” nuclear missiles.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, recent data suggests that at least 70,000 Russian troops have been killed since the invasion began two years ago, with the actual number potentially being much higher.

The destruction of the former Wagner base adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing tensions within Russia’s military structures and its war efforts in Ukraine.

Kane Makes Bundesliga History in Bayern’s Rout of Bremen

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Kane Makes Bundesliga History in Bayern’s Rout of Bremen

Harry Kane etched his name in Bundesliga history on Saturday, becoming the highest-scoring English player in the league’s history as Bayern Munich thrashed Werder Bremen 5-0.

Kane notched his 41st Bundesliga goal, surpassing Jadon Sancho’s previous record of 40 goals for Borussia Dortmund. The England captain achieved this milestone in just 36 matches, a stark contrast to Sancho’s 118 appearances.

Bayern’s dominant performance saw Michael Olise open the scoring, followed by Jamal Musiala extending the lead before halftime. Kane’s historic goal came from the edge of the box, cementing Bayern’s control of the match.

Olise added his second of the day after the hour mark, with Serge Gnabry completing the rout late on. The victory maintains Bayern’s perfect start to the Bundesliga season under manager Vincent Kompany, with four wins from four matches.

This record-breaking performance caps off a remarkable week for Kane, who also became the highest-scoring Englishman in Champions League history on Tuesday. The 31-year-old striker scored four goals in Bayern’s 9-2 demolition of Dinamo Zagreb, bringing his total for the club to 53 goals in just 50 appearances.

Kane’s rapid ascent in the Bundesliga goal-scoring charts underscores his immediate impact since joining Bayern from Tottenham Hotspur. He has already surpassed Tony Woodcock’s long-standing record of 39 goals for Cologne in the 1980s, which Sancho only broke last season.

As Bayern continues their quest for domestic and European glory, Kane’s prolific form suggests more records may fall in the coming months.

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