Author: Chronicle Editor

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday said he had signed an official request for Ukraine to join the European Union. Zelenskiy has asked the European Union to allow Ukraine to gain membership immediately under a special procedure as it defends itself from invasion by Russian forces. This comes after ceasefire talks between Russia and its southern neighbour failed to reach a breakthrough and negotiators have not said when a new round would take place. The aggressor, President Vladimir Putin is facing mounting international pressure for last week launching the biggest assault on a European state since World War Two, and…

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has mourned the passing of Ojima Omale popularly known as OJBEST. In a personally signed statement on Monday, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo mourns the sudden death of Mr. Ojima Omale, a young enterprising shoe designer based in Abuja. “I am deeply saddened by the news of the sudden death of Mr. Ojima Omale, aka OJBEST, 28, my young enterprising shoemaker and friend. Omale was CEO of O.J Best Footwears. He was talented, creative and dedicated to his craft. I never ceased to be impressed by his exertions for perfection in his products. “I and many members…

By Bright Okuta On Thursday, February 24, the world quivered for hours after Russian President, Vladimir Putin launched an attack in Ukraine. A myriad of questions littered the internet about his reasons for doing so; “why would an independent state invade another?” amongst others. Here is the explanation you need to know. Ukraine was formerly a part of the Soviet Union. They became an independent state in 1991 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. A significant percentage of Ukrainians are of Russian origin. And before the independence, they depended economically on Russia. NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is a…

Vladimir Putin has ordered Russia’s military to put its deterrence forces, which include nuclear weapons, on “special alert”. He told defence chiefs it was because of “aggressive statements” by the West, amid widespread condemnation of his invasion of Ukraine. The announcement does not mean Russia intends to use the weapons. The US immediately condemned his decision calling it an “unacceptable escalation”. Last week, Mr Putin had warned that “whoever tries to hinder us” in Ukraine would see consequences “you have never seen in your history”. Those words were widely interpreted as signalling a threat to use nuclear weapons if the…

The number of civilians killed during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is rising by the day. By Sunday, Ukraine’s human rights commissioner put the number of civilian victims alone at 210, including many children. A seven-year-old girl died in an attack on a kindergarten, there have been fatalities in the capital Kyiv, and 10 members of Ukraine’s ethnic Greek community were killed when their villages came under fire in the south. Alisa Hlans was one of six people who died when her kindergarten was hit on the second day of the Russian invasion on Friday in the small town of Okhtyrka,…

The Nigerian government has lamented the treatment and rejection of its students who are fleeing the war in Ukraine by the Polish government. Garba Shehu, the spokesperson to President Muhammadu Buhari said according to the UN Convention, all who flee a conflict situation have the same right to safe passage under irrespective of the colour of their passport or their skin. In a statement on Sunday, the Presidency said, “While efforts to begin talks between Russia and Ukraine are underway, paramount on our minds is the safety and human rights of some four thousand Nigerian citizens and many others from…

The rouble has slumped by 30% against the US dollar, after Western nations announced new sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The new record low for the Russian currency comes after some of the country’s banks were banned from using the Swift international payment system. On Sunday, Russia’s central bank appealed for calm amid fears that there could be a run on the country’s banks. Growing tensions also helped push Brent crude oil above $100 (£75) a barrel. The move by the European Union, United States and their allies to cut off a number of Russian banks from…

Inter Miami will “push” to sign Argentina forward Lionel Messi if the 34-year-old decides to leave Paris St-Germain, says the co-owner of the Major League Soccer side. (Goal) Poland striker Robert Lewandowski’s contract with Bayern Munich ends in 2023 and, while the 33-year-old wants a new deal with the German club, no talks have taken place. (Fabrizio Romano) Borussia Dortmund and Norway striker Erling Braut Haaland has not agreed to join Real Madrid in the summer, according to the 21-year-old’s compatriot and former Middlesbrough forward Jan Aage Fjortoft. (Mundo Deportivo) Barcelona are moving closer to signing Ivory Coast midfielder Franck…

Liverpool won a dramatic penalty shoot-out to secure the first domestic trophy of the season after a classic Carabao Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley. Kepa Arrizabalaga, brought on in the closing moments of extra time as a penalty specialist, missed the decisive spot-kick after a magnificent game came down to a shoot-out between Chelsea’s keeper and his Liverpool counterpart Caoimhin Kelleher. Kelleher made it 11 penalties from 11 for Liverpool but Kepa blazed wildly over the top as a high-class showpiece was decided by the finest of margins after 21 successful attempts. Chelsea, who had three goals disallowed for…

Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has told the club to sell winger Bukayo Saka, 20, and midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, 21, if the England internationals refuse to sign new deals. (Star via Mirror) Real Madrid believe they can afford the financial packages needed to sign Paris St-Germain and France striker Kylian Mbappe, 23, and Borussia Dortmund and Norway forward Erling Braut Haaland, 21, this summer. (Marca) Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa is on the brink of being sacked by the club, with former RB Leipzig boss Jesse Marsch in line to replace him. (Mail) Liverpool are interested in Benfica forward…