Canada Qualifies for First Men’s World Cup Since 1986

O Canada, you can now book your ticket to Qatar. 

After a stunning run to the top of the Concacaf table, the Canadian men’s national team has qualified for the World Cup for only the second time in its history, returning to the grand stage for the first time in 36 years following a 4–0 win over Jamaica at BMO Field in Toronto on Sunday. 

Just as remarkable is the fact that Canada was one of three nations to advance to the Octagonal from the first and second rounds of qualifying, before then going on to dominate the Octagonal, which was the third and final round. Until Thursday night’s defeat in Costa Rica, Canada had gone undefeated throughout the entirety of the qualification process.

Against the two traditional regional powerhouses, the U.S. and Mexico, Canada won both of its home games and drew on the road. It’s only fitting that Canada finished off its quest in frigid, wintry conditions at home. Those were the circumstances for those home wins over the region’s more entrenched powers, with Sam Adekugbe’s goal celebration of diving into a snowbank in Edmonton—whose stadium, for the night against Mexico, was dubbed the “Iceteca”—one of the lasting images of this qualifying campaign.

Meanwhile, during its unprecedented run, Canada saw its FIFA world ranking jump from 78th at the end of the last World Cup year up to 33rd heading into this window. It hadn’t even reached the final round of Concacaf qualifying since the 1998 cycle before doing so this time. Its rise is among the greatest stories currently happening in international soccer anywhere.

Cyle Larin became the Canadian men’s all-time leading scorer in the qualifying process, passing Dwayne De Rosario when he scored his 23rd career international goal in the January win over the U.S. in Hamilton. His opener, and No. 24 for his career, on Sunday, sent the Canadians on their way to completing their objective. A staggering 13 of those 24 have come in the three rounds of qualifying for this World Cup, with his six leading the Octagonal. Teammate Jonathan David is right on his heels with five.

Canada’s depth of talent is evident by the fact that it finished off its quest without arguably its most important player. Dynamic Bayern Munich left back Alphonso Davies missed the final two qualifying windows with myocarditis, which he was diagnosed with after contracting COVID-19. Canada managed to secure the maximum nine points in the winter window—including the home win over the U.S.—while he was only able to cheer on via Twitch.

This time around, Canada reached the World Cup entirely on merit. In 2026, when the World Cup expands to 48 teams, Canada won’t have to worry about the qualifying process since it will be expected to earn an automatic bid as co-host with the U.S. and Mexico. Either way, manager John Herdman’s team is one on a rapid rise, and it’s one that no opponent in Qatar should take lightly despite its inexperience on the game’s premier stage. Canada will learn those opponents on April 1, when it is part of a World Cup draw for the first time in over three decades.

Symptoms Of Heart Failure You Shouldn’t Ignore

The heart is literally at the center of everything in the body, and as such, it is responsible for controlling the flow of blood to all other organs throughout the body. If the heart is malfunctioning or not functioning as it should, this is commonly referred to as slow or gradual heart failure, which can even result in fatality or death of a person if not identified and treated as soon as possible.

In this article, which is based on a Cleveland Clinic publication, we will take a look at some of the signs that indicate that a person’s heart is no longer functioning properly or is gradually failing. Simply relax and take pleasure in this article while also learning something new.

The signs and symptoms of a heart that is gradually failing are as follows:

Heart failure is characterized by several symptoms, one of which is unexplained shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. If your heart is having problems or is on the verge of failing, one of the symptoms you will experience is shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing.

It is also referred to as edema or ascites, and it occurs as a result of the retention of fluid in the body, particularly in the ankles, legs, and abdomen. In case your ankles, legs, and even abdomen swell up as a result of water retention, this could be a sign that your heart is not functioning properly and should not be taken lightly as a result.

In the case of dry cough that persists for no apparent reason, it is possible that you are suffering from cardiac failure. The presence of constant heart failure should not be taken for granted, especially if it is not caused by any obvious cause.

4. Excessive fatigue and leg weakness, even when participating in physical activity. This is yet another indication that the heart is gradually failing, and you would be wise to seek medical attention to determine your current health status

UPDATED: Terrorists bomb Abuja-Kaduna rail track, attack train filled with passengers

Some terrorists have reportedly bombed the Abuja-Kaduna-bound rail track on Monday.

It was learnt that an Abuja-Kaduna-bound filled with passengers derailed after the improvised explosive device planted by the terrorists went off.

The terrorists, subsequently, attacked the train with many passengers reportedly injured.

It was gathered that some of the 970 passengers on board might have been abducted by the attackers.

It was gathered that security operatives have been deployed to the scene of the attack.

This is coming a few days after the terrorists attacked the Kaduna International Airport where an aircraft was prevented from taking off.

A source told our correspondent that “they (terrorists) planted IED. When it went off, it derailed the train. There was pandemonium every and some people may be kidnapped.”

There was no police confirmation as of the time of filing this report.

However, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Cooperation, Fidet Okhiria,  confirmed the incident.

Okhiria however told the News Agency of Nigeria that “information concerning the attack was still sketchy, and no concrete information could be given at the moment.”

“We have confirmed the attack, but we cannot give you much information right now.

“From the reports we have gotten, most of the passengers have gone into hiding and the officials on board are yet to give us a report of the situation.

”There are reports of gunshots and the train derailed due to the attack,” Okhiria said.

NAN gathered that the incident happened between Katari and Rijana train stations, en route Kaduna from Abuja.

We do not condone violence: Academy Awards speaks on Will Smith

The Academy Awards has taken to Twitter to state that it ‘doesn’t condone violence’ after Will Smith hit comedian Chris Rock on stage.

Smith slapped Chris Rock in the face during the Oscars on Sunday night after the comedian made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair.

Referring to Pinkett Smith’s buzzcut, Rock said: “Jada, can’t wait for GI Jane 2.”

Following Rock’s comment, Smith walked up on stage and appeared to hit him before returning to his seat and shouting: “Keep my wife’s name out of your fucking mouth.”

Jada has previously opened up about her struggle with hair loss and alopecia. In an episode of her Facebook chat show, Red Table Talk, she said “handfuls of hair” came loose in the shower.

Will Smith later went on to win the best actor award for film King Richard, the American biographical sports drama about the father and coach of famed tennis players Venus and Serena Williams.

Accepting his best actor Oscar Smith apologised and said: “Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family.”

He added: “I want to apologise to the Academy, I want to apologise to all my fellow nominees.”

He went on to say that ‘love makes you do crazy things.’

Stop Wasting Money On Rat Poison, See How To Use Salt And Detergent To Kill Rats In Your Home

Rats are among the most vexing critters that penetrate people’s homes without their permission.

Several weird symptoms of rat presence in a home include concentrated rat droppings, apparent tracks on their pathways, and strange noises, particularly at night.

Many members of the public genuinely want to eradicate these rats, but frequently wind up spending a fortune in vain. In this article, I’m going to show you how to make a simple and inexpensive poison to easily kill rats in your home.

Let us start by saying

To begin, put on disposable gloves for safety, then construct an empty tin with an adequate amount of flour, sugar, water, salt, and any detergent.

Second, while wearing gloves, combine the flour and sugar in the empty tin. Add a small amount of water to this mixture to create a thick paste.

Thirdly, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the detergent to the mixture’s thick paste and stir thoroughly. This now determines our fate.

Finally, arrange the bait mixture in plates and place them along the rats’ suspected pathways. Then sit back and wait for our prepared poison to work perfectly.

Mix These 3 Things To Make Your Rod Bigger And Last Longer Than Usual

Cucumbers and bananas are two excellent ingredients to combine together. They offer plenty of nutrients and water , without too many sugars that will break down into the liquid.

Bananas are known to reduce swelling, protect against developing tyep 2 diabetes, aid in weight loss, strengthen the nervous system and help with production of white blood cells, all due to the high level of vitamin B6 that bananas contain, Flores told Live Science.

Cucumber: The vitamin K helps blood clot and keep your bones healthy. Vitamin A has many jobs, like helping with vision, the immune system and reproduction. It also makes sure organs like your heart, lungs, and kidneys work the way they should.

Ingredient

1 full cucumber, 1 banana (ripe)

Steps

Peel your cucumber and cut them into pieces.

Again, peel off your banana and cut them into pieces.

Blend them together.

Pour it in a glass jar.

Add 1 teaspoon of natural honey and mix it well.

Drink 1 glass before sleeping for 5 days.

NEWSUS blacklists six Nigerians for supporting Boko Haram

The United States has blacklisted six Nigerians for supporting the Boko Haram sect.

The spokesman for the US Department of State, Ned Price, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Washington.

The decision, according to the statement followed the prosecution and conviction of the individuals in the United Arab Emirates for supporting terrorism.

The statement read: “The United States is designating six individuals for their support of the terrorist group Boko Haram.

“The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has added Nigerian nationals Abdurrahman Ado Musa, Salihu Yusuf Adamu, Bashir Ali Yusuf, Muhammed Ibrahim Isa, Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, and Surajo Abubakar Muhammad to the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons, pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Boko Haram.

“Today’s action follows the United Arab Emirates’ prosecutions, convictions, and designations of these individuals for supporting terrorism.

“The Department of State designated Boko Haram as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization on November 14, 2013.

“The Nigeria-based group is responsible for numerous attacks in the Northern and North-East regions of the country as well as in the Lake Chad Basin in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger that have killed thousands of people since 2009.”

War: NATO approves 4 battle groups to counter Russia

NATO leaders have approved the deployment of four additional battle groups to member States, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Slovakia.

Ahead of NATO’s summit on Thursday, March 24, the US Ambassador to NATO, Julie Smith said forces from different NATO members would be deployed to the Eastern European countries to counter Russian aggression in Europe.

Smith noted that the additional forces are “not just national forces” and would be revealed on Thursday.

Speaking at an Atlantic Council event, Smith said NATO is discussing its medium and long-term force presence in its eastern European flank.

“We are going to have to make a series of ongoing assessments about our force posture that will take us weeks and months into the future.

“It’s still an open question of how the alliance takes the NATO-Russia Founding Act which NATO allies believe Russia is in clear violation of and moves to its longer-term posture.

“All options are on the table, including permanent basing,” Smith said.

Smith then claimed Poland’s proposal of a NATO peacekeeping mission for Ukraine isn’t “dead in the water,” but said there are “a lot of open-ended questions” and “allies want to know more about what Poland is suggesting here.”

“We want to encourage this type of fresh thinking,” she said, adding that “no one ever shirks or turns away when an ally brings an idea into our discussions here.”

BUHARI GOVERNMENT CLAIMED NO MONEY FOR UNIVERSITIES BUT BUILT RAILWAY TO NIGER STATE, LECTURERS' UNION, ASUU SPEAKS

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has again blamed the Nigerian Government for the ongoing strike in public universities.

The union’s National President, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, stated in an interview with Sunday Punch that the government “went to sleep” for eight months after it completed negotiations with the union in May 2021.

According to Osodeke, ASUU waited for actions from the government to no avail. 

 

ASUU on Monday, March 14, 2022, announced an extension of its four-week warning strike by eight weeks.

 

Speaking in the interview, Osodeke explained that the union embarked on the eight-week rolling strike to give the Nigerian Government “more time.”

 

He said, “The initial idea was that the government would have met all the demands within the four weeks. But since the government said they could not meet up with our demands in four weeks, we said let us give them eight weeks. We just don’t want to declare an indefinite strike. Let us hope that in eight weeks, they meet up so that schools can return to normal and there will be an improvement in the system.

 

“All they have done is to make promises like they had done in the past. For our members, if you have made promises in the past that you did not fulfil, why should we believe you again? If the government was serious about these problems, within four weeks the problems would have been solved.

 

 “We say release the white paper, release the revitalisation fund for universities and sign the agreement, these things should not have taken four weeks if they were serious.

 

“In 2021, ASUU did not go on strike and I’m sure you are aware of that. We completed negotiations in 2021, did we go on strike? Between May 2021 and February 2022, that is eight months, for them to go and look at what we discussed; did we go on strike during this period? No, but the government went to sleep.

 

“For eight months, the government went to sleep and when ASUU went on strike, they came up.”

 

When asked for his reaction to claims by the Nigerian Government that there were no funds to meet the demands of the union, Osodeke said, “The government said there is no money but they have money for elections. Between education and election, which one is much more important? They constructed a railway from Kaduna to Niger Republic, is that more important than education?

“They claim there is no money, but the President increased the duty tour allowance and you see them travelling from one country to another. Does that prove that there is no money? Who are the ones benefiting from the DTA? Aren’t they political office holders? But the one that concerns the ordinary Nigerians, they claim they don’t have money. It is not correct; it is just the issue of priority." 

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has again blamed the Nigerian Government for the ongoing strike in public universities.

Tinubu’s hope of becoming President in 2023 suffers setback as party’s bigwigs denies agreement on power shift to South West

The hope for the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress APC, Bola Tinubu, to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023 is becoming more blurred daily as some top shots of the ruling party have faulted reports that there was a written agreement and understanding among founders of the party in 2013 to cede the 2023 presidential ticket of the party to the South-West geo-political zone.

One of the bigwigs, who played crucial roles in the formation of the APC, and in the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari at the party’s presidential primaries in Lagos in 2014 and the election proper in 2015, said: “Nothing like that happened. There was no meeting whatsoever to talk about ceding power to the South-West.”

Another top shot of the party spoke in like manner, adding that it is difficult to tell if President Buhari would back the South-West to produce his successor, even if such an agreement was ever reached, adding, “we don’t know who will succeed President Buhari, but we know those who will not succeed him.”

Meanwhile, two days to the March 26 national convention, the ruling party is still mired in disagreement over the zoning of positions and which part of the country should produce its presidential candidate for the 2023 poll.

Although the party hierarchy agreed recently that the North and South should swap positions in 2023, which means the South should produce the President while the North produces party national chairman, there are still clamour for the seat to be thrown open.

Also, at a time many party faithful had bought nomination forms, based on the zoning formula party stakeholders agreed, for which the APC had generated N700 million as of press time, there is disquiet in many states over zoning and adoption of some aspirants as consensus candidates.

2023 presidency: Why I’m against Tinubu becoming president – Bode George

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the Southwest, Chief Bode George has disclosed why he is against Bola Tinubu, an All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential aspirant, becoming Nigeria’s president in 2023.

George said Tinubu had completely taken over the resources of Lagos State.

He, however, stressed that he has nothing personal against the APC national leader.

George said the former governor of Lagos State should allow power to change hands because he has been in charge for too long.

Appearing on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Tuesday, the PDP chieftain said: “He has completely annexed the resources of my State.

“I have absolutely no personal grudge against Tinubu. What I have against him is the plundering of the finances of the State.

“Which country will have the Internal Revenue Service and will now set up a company solely owned by him and his cronies, collecting the taxes of the people on behalf of the Internal Revenue Service, how? This doesn’t make any sense.

“This fellow has plundered and mismanaged the finances of this State to a stupor that calls for attention.”

Ex-British Army sniper in Ukraine says Taliban ‘would do better job’ than Russia

A former British Army sniper volunteering in Ukraine reckons that the Taliban would “do a better job” occupying the country than the Russians.

Shane Matthew, 34, is currently in Ukraine in a training capacity having served two tours of Afghanistan.

He made the claim this week after witnessing 12 of Vladimir Putin’s soldiers ‘panic’ after a firefight broke out when they entered the city of Irpin, near to Kyiv.

He told The Times that most of the Russian troops were killed while the others all fled.

He said: “There was a lot of gunfire going on and the Russians were panicking.

Shane witnessed a firefight in the city of Irpin this week which saw several Russian soldiers killed

“The Taliban would do a better job, there’s no way they [Russia] could encircle Kyiv.”

Matthew is just one of roughly 20,000 foreign volunteers to have made their way to Ukraine since the start of Putin’s “special military operation”.

In his training role he is not part of the foreign legion engaging in battles with the Russians, hence he did not fight in Irpin this week.

Instead, Matthew is training Ukrainian civilians who have signed up to the territorial defence forces. He is also teaching them first aid and trauma response treatment.

He insists that the Ukrainians he is training are a stronger force than their Russian counterparts, despite none of the 50 in one of his training programmes ever having been shot at.

Russia’s ‘complete incompetence’ means that Matthew reckons he is ‘100% on the winning side’. He described Putin’s men as ‘tactically inferior’.

He added: “We’ve managed to take massive amounts of ground from the Russians.”

Although Matthew isn’t in Ukraine to engage in direct combat with Russian forces he has been involved in some sticky situations.

Immediately after witnessing their incompetence in Irpin, Russians opened up with machine guns on his car as he was travelling back to base.

He explained how his convoy accelerated away for their lives and managed to escape.

Death of OAU student: Prosecution closes case

 are standing trial in connection with Adegoke’s alleged murder at an Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo. Adedoyin and his hotel workers are facing trial on eleven-count charges, bordering on murder, conspiracy, felony amongst others. Besides Adedoyin, the workers who are standing trial over the death of Adegoke include Magdalene Chiefuna, Adeniyi Aderogba, Oluwole Lawrence, Oyetunde Ka zeem, Adebayo Kunle and Adedeji Adesola. At the resumed hearing yesterday, the lead prosecution counsel, M. O. Omosun, informed the court that the prosecution has closed its case after calling eight witnesses and tendering several evidence to prove the allegations. Testifying before the court, the eighth and final prosecution witness, Samuel Odeh, a Deputy Superintendent of Police from Force Criminal Investigation Department, informed the court that forensic analysis was done on a cotton swab stick obtained from the room 305 that the deceased lodged before his demise. Odeh, a forensic scientist and crime scene investigator, said the analysis was to ascertain the sub stance found on the sample. He said, “On January 11, 2022, a letter of request was received from the IPO in Abuja seeking an analysis to be done on a sample brought and the Commissioner of Police minuted to ACP Benedict Agbo, whom I work under. The request was to identify the substance on the cotton swab stick and it was done and a report was issued to that effect. There was a typographical error on the date of the first report but it has been corrected.” Omosun tendered the result of the forensic analysis as evidence, which the court admitted despite objections of the defence counsels. The prosecutor informed the court that a staff of UBA was served court summons to appear in court to give evidence, but the staff was Kaabsent. He therefore closed the prosecution’s case. When the presiding judge, Justice Adepele Ojo asked the defence to open their case, counsel to the seven defendants said they would be furnishing the court with a no case submission. The counsel to Adedoyin, the first defendant, Yusuf Alli, SAN, counsel to the second, fourth and fifth defendants, Muritala Abdulrasheed, SAN, the third and sixth defendants’ counsel, Ronald Otaru, SAN, and counsel to the seventh defendant, Okon Edet, urged the court to give them two days to file their written no case addresses having gone through all the evidences tendered by the prosecution. “We have followed with rapt attention, and the evidence tendered so far in this matter, we believe that this is a case we should do a no case submission. We therefore pray your Lordship to give us 48 hours to file our no case submission,” Alli said as other counsels also applied for same two days to file their no case addresses.

Justice Ojo, however, granted the prayers of the defence counsels and also gave the prosecution two days to file replies to the no case submissions to be filed for each of the accused persons.

Inflation: MultiChoice Increases Prices Of GOtv, DStv Subscription

The Nigeria’s subsidiary company of MultiChoice Africa, the owner of DStv and GOtv, has announced new, increased prices for GOtv and DStv packages.

This was made public in a statement released by the company on Tuesday.

Not All Arabs Are Racists, Sanusi’s Daughter clarifiesclarifies

Mother sets 10-year-old daughter ablaze in Ogun

The statement said the new prices would take effect from April 1, 2022.

“In light of the rising costs of inflation and business operations, we have had to review the price of our packages to keep delighting our customers with great entertainment,” the statement read.

New DStv rates are: Premium (N21,000), Compact + (N14,250), Compact (N9,000), Confam (N5,300), Yanga (N2,950), Padi (N2,150), Business (N2,669), Xtraview + PVR access fee (N2,900)

Those of GOtv are: Gotv Max for N4,150, GOtv Jolli for N2,800, GOtv Jinja for N1,900, GOtv Lite for N900.

The company also stated that customers who pay on or before the due date (April 1, 2022) are to pay the old price, while subscribers who pay regularly on time (before their due dates) for a period of 12 months will also be allowed to pay the old price.

MultiChoice is Nigeria’s pioneer TV service provider which launched its first digital satellite broadcasting service in the country in 1993.

APC Presidential ticket: Tinubu, Bello, Umahi, others learn fate May

Umahi and Tinubu

Presidential aspirants on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress will have to wait till May to know who among them will fly the party’s flag in the 2023 presidential election.

It was also learnt that the party would peg money for its presidential nomination form at N50m.

Some of the aspirants like a former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello; Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi and a former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Kalu; and ex-Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha have openly declared their interest to succeed the President, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), whose second year tenure ends on May 29, 2023.

Other aspirants rumoured to have presidential ambition in the party but have yet to declare their intention include Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; and the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Amafiele.

Of all the aspirants, only Tinubu has been visiting different caucuses of the party, including its members in the National Assembly, soliciting their support.

He had also visited Buhari to inform him about his desire to succeed him in 2023.

It was gathered that the party had pencilled down May for the presidential primary, but would leave the exact date for the primary to be decided by the members of its National Working Committee that would emerge at its March 26 national convention in Abuja.

A party chieftain, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “Next month is Ramadan so we are not considering April for the presidential primary or any of the primaries.

“The presidential primary should hold in May. And of course, the Presidential form will be going for nothing less than N50m. This is not final but this is what is being discussed and I am sure it will be approved.”

No reason was given for the expected increment in the nomination fee for the party.

In 2015, the APC charged its presidential aspirants N27.5m but raised it to N45m four years later.

Seven years ago, when the President was to run for the office, he openly lamented the high cost of the nomination form.

“I felt heavily sorry for myself because I don’t want to go and ask somebody to pay for my nomination forms, because I always try to pay myself, at least for the nomination. N27m is a big sum,” he had said.

The former military ruler had lamented that his efforts at making the leaders of the party reduced the nomination form felt on deaf ears.

But the then National Chairman of the party, John Odigie-Oyegun, rebuffed Buhari and said to him, “You better pick your form and keep a straight face; that means there is no excuse.”

“Thankfully I have a personal relationship with the manager of my bank in Kaduna and I told him that very soon the forms are coming, so, whether I am on red, or green or even black please honour it otherwise I may lose the nomination,” Buhari said while presenting his cheque for the form.

Sunday PUNCHreports that four years later when the party raised the nomination fee to N45m, Buhari did not protest when he paid for the form.

Recall that the PDP, the main opposition party, had on Wednesday at its National Executive Committee meeting said its presidential candidate would be announced on May 29.

The date was revealed in the ‘Schedule of Activities and Timetable for the Year 2022/2023 Elections’ released by the party.

The timetable was signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature.

According to Bature, the PDP candidate would emerge on May 29 at the end of the Special National Convention (Presidential Primary) that would start on May 28.

The PDP, at its 95th NEC meeting on Wednesday, also pegged its nomination and expression of interest forms for presidential aspirants at N40m.

In 2019, the party had pegged its presidential nomination and expression of interest form at N2m and N10m respectively making a total of N12m.

Meanwhile, the APC had generated at least N300m from the sale of forms for aspirants seeking offices in the National Working Committee, Sunday PUNCHhas learnt.

While about seven people bought chairmanship forms at the cost of N20m each, at least five people had purchased deputy national chairmanship forms for the cost of N10m each.

Forms for those seeking other positions in the National Working Committee were sold for N5m each. These positions include National secretary, deputy national secretary; the national vice chairmen of the six zones, national organising secretary, national legal adviser, national financial secretary, national welfare secretary, national treasurer, national publicity secretary, national auditor, national women leader, national youth leader and leader of persons living with disabilities.

According to the APC, all other positions of the National Executive Committee which are deputy positions, non-zonal and non-NWC would be sold at N1m.

All positions at the zonal level, except the National Vice-Chairman, which is also a member of NWC, would be sold at N500, 000.

These positions include deputy national financial secretary, deputy national legal adviser, deputy national treasurer, deputy welfare secretary, deputy national publicity secretary, deputy national auditor, deputy national women leader, deputy national youth leader, the zonal secretaries of the six zones, zonal youth leaders in the six zones, zonal organising secretaries across all zones and the six ex-officio members.

However, concessions were given for women and persons with disabilities who were given a 50 per cent discount.

Governors compile unity list for NWC positions, chairmanship aspirants reject consensus

Meanwhile, ahead of the national convention of the APC, the 23 governors of the party across different zones have begun micro-zoning party positions and drawing up unity lists which will be affirmed at the convention.

This is just as the chairmanship aspirants on Saturday insisted that there would be no consensus and were ready to test their strengths on the field.

Multiple sources that spoke toSunday PUNCHsaid although the positions had been zoned to geopolitical zones, the governors within those regions had agreed among themselves which states would get certain positions. The governors of the states would subsequently endorse a candidate which would be endorsed by others.

An APC chieftain who wished to remain anonymous, said, “By the time leaders meet and agree on positions, every state will vote according to what they have been given and there will be one list. So, if you are not part of it, you will lose and you cannot blame anyone.

“For the zonal congress, for instance, all the leaders in each region have names. So, if for instance your state was not selected for national publicity secretary and you are contesting, you are wasting your time. So, if you spend your money, you are on your own. What we are saying is that there will be a unity list.”

In a related development, it was learnt that the refusal of chairmanship aspirants to reach a consensus was giving the party’s leaders concern.

Sunday PUNCHlearnt that some chieftains of the APC had begun putting pressure on President Buhari to meet with the aspirants with a view to getting them to step down.

A national officer of the party said all the former national chairmen of the party were picked through consensus.

The former national chairmen are a former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, and two former governors of Edo State, Odigie-Oyegun and Adams Oshiomhole.

But now, he said about seven people had already bought chairmanship forms at the cost of N20m each, without anyone asking them to step down for a particular candidate.

Chairmanship aspirants who have submitted their nomination forms are a former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Abdullahi Adamu; his successor, Umar Tanko Al-Makura; Mallam Saliu Mustapha; Senator Sani Musa; a former governor of Benue State, George Akume; a former Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Abdulaziz Yari; and Mohammed Etsu.

All the aspirants except Yari, who is from the North-West, are from the North-Central.

An APC chieftain said, “Sincerely, this will be the first time in the 10-year history of the APC that we will be having a real chairmanship tussle. It had always been by consensus and we were hoping that they would close ranks but this never happened. The form was set at N20m to discourage too many people from running but seven people have bought forms.

“We are hoping that the President will meet with them in the coming days and tell them his preferred candidate so that the rest can step down. But now that money has been paid, it has even become more difficult to convince anyone to step down.

“The implication is that the convention will be like a presidential primary and will stretch for two days. We are just hoping that it will not lead to any bad blood.”

The APC on Saturday began screening aspirants seeking to hold zonal offices. The screening for those who are running for NWC offices is expected to hold on Sunday (today).

Meanwhile, the committee on the venue, decorations and site servicing for the APC’s forthcoming convention has visited the proposed venue, Eagle Square, Abuja, as part of preparations for the event, the News Agency of Nigeria reported.

The Chairman of the committee, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau, speaking after inspecting the venue on Friday in Abuja, explained that it would begin erecting structures for the convention.

“We are preparing the venue for the convention. There was a science and technology exhibition which concluded today, by tomorrow we will start putting up our structures.

“We want to ensure that the security inspects the place and to guarantee that there is adequate security for all delegates and everybody that is coming here,” he said.

He said his committee had engaged with relevant stakeholders and organisations to ensure that the venue and associated services were put in place for delegates and officials during the convention.

Lalong said the committee was working in synergy with the committees on security and election to ensure proper coordination of delegates and the electoral processes

US military fears Putin is planning to use nuclear threats and reveals he is working on new nuclear weapons that can BEAT Western defenses so he can 'inflict unacceptable damage on the West'

DIA Director Lt. Gen. Scott Berrier revealed the concerns in a report Thursday

The report on global threats noted that Putin would be likely to threaten use of nuclear weapons if Ukrainian defense forces continue to push back

It's also believed that Putin intends to 'overturn the U.S.-led rules based post-Cold War international order' and reclaim former Soviet territories

The report also notes that Russia claims to be developing missiles that are capable of circumventing Western defenses

It has already deployed non-nuclear weapons that come equipped with decoy projectiles, in a possible sign of what's to come

This is in order to 'ensure that Russia can credibly inflict unacceptable damage on the West'

At the St. Patrick's Day luncheon in the Capitol on Thursday, President Biden called Putin a 'murderous dictator' over Ukraine

Biden's latest war of words are the most direct at the Russian leader in the 21 days since the invasion

Vladimir Putin will edge closer to deploying a nuclear attack if Ukraine continues its valiant pushback against the invasion of Russian troops, a top US defense official warned.

Lieutenant General Scott Berrier, director of the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency detailed the grim concerns in anew 67-page summary of global threats on Thursday.

It raises the specter of a possible nuclear attack on Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital which has so-far resisted Russian advances, and said a desperate Putin posed a threat to the whole world.

His report notes that Russia claims to be developing missiles that are capable of circumventing Western defenses in order to 'ensure that Russia can credibly inflict unacceptable damage on the West.'

Russia recently deployed non-nuclear missiles that come equipped with decoy projectiles - a feature that hadn't previously been seen by western defense bosses - giving a possible glimpse of the type of feature that could be fitted to the most devastating bombs in Putin's arsenal.

'As this war and its consequences slowly weaken Russian conventional strength, Russia likely will increasingly rely on its nuclear deterrent to signal the West and project strength to its internal and external audiences,' he wrote in the report that was obtained by Fox News.

The report's grim assessment comes less than 24 hours before a Friday call between President Joe Biden and China's President Xi Jinping, as Biden is expected to ask for Xi's help on pressuring Moscow to end the conflict.

Lieutenant General Scott Berrier, director of the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, revealed concerning details in a new report that Putin is likely to threaten to use nuclear weapons against the West if Ukrainian defense forces continue to push back against the invasion

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a meeting on measures of socio-economic support of the regions outside Moscow, Russia, on Wednesday

A Russian Iskander-M mobile short-range ballistic missile launcher in 2019. The same type of missile was also deployed with a previously unknown decoy during the ongoing conflict with Ukraine

A satellite image taken over the city of Chernihiv, in northern Ukraine, on Wednesday and released Thursday shows blasts and fires caused by Russian air strikes in civilian areas

'U.S. efforts to undermine Russia's goals in Ukraine, combined with its perception that the United States is a nation in decline, could prompt Russia to engage in more aggressive actions not only in Ukraine itself, but also more broadly in its perceived confrontation with the West,' Berrier said in the report.

He added that a key motivation for the invasion is Russia's determination 'to restore a sphere of influence over Ukraine and the other states of the former Soviet Union.'

'Despite greater than anticipated resistance from Ukraine and relatively high losses in the initial phases of the conflict, Moscow appears determined to press forward by using more lethal capabilities until the Ukrainian government is willing to come to terms favorable to Moscow,' he wrote.

However, a senior Pentagon official told Bloomberg on Thursday that the invasion is largely stalled, with Russia relying on more than 1,000 long-range missile strikes into Ukraine.

That in itself has further stoked fears that an embarrassed Putin would be emboldened to take the conflict nuclear, and possibly trigger World War Three.

Earlier this week, U.S. Intelligence discovered that Russia has been using secret 'decoy dart' missiles to strike Ukrainian targets.

These dart-shaped armaments, originally thought to be cluster bombs, have been seen on social media from almost the beginning of Russia's invasion

The darts protect the Iskander rockets from air defense missiles by using heat-seeking and radar technology to fool defense systems, a US intelligence officer claims

It seems that Russian forces are using Iskander missiles in combination with darts that US intelligence thinks are very close to 'penetration aids' used in the Cold War.

Mobile rocket launchers in Russia and Belarus are believed to be shooting Moscow's Iskander-M missiles while deploying decoy systems to fool Ukrainian air defense.

The darts protect the Iskander rockets from air defense missiles by using heat-seeking and radar technology to fool defense systems, a U.S. intelligence officer claims according to the New York Times.

The United Kingdom's Ministry of Defense on Thursday described the Russian invasion as 'faltering' due to sloppy logistics and poor planning.

'Incessant Ukrainian counterattacks are forcing Russia to divert large numbers of troops to defend their own supply lines,' the ministry said in a statement. 'This is severely limiting Russia's offensive potential.'

The counterattacks are resulting in Russia using 'indiscriminate methods' of attack – long-range artillery and missiles that are leveling cities, killing civilians and damaging infrastructure in retaliation for Ukraine's effective resistance, according to the report.

The report questioned Putin's claims to have 'modernized' the Russian military.

'Russia's modernization is intended to ensure Russia can field a military capable of engaging in the full spectrum of warfare to deter or defeat a wide scope of threats, but initial setbacks in Ukraine call some of Putin's narrative into question,' Berrier wrote.

But Russia claims to be developing missiles that are capable of circumventing Western defenses in order to 'ensure that Russia can credibly inflict unacceptable damage on the West.'

'Russia continues to improve capabilities for its Ground Forces, Airborne Forces, and coastal troops. It is upgrading main battle tanks (MBTs) and introducing new MBTs, artillery, and multiple rocket launchers to its arsenal. Russia has also steadily increased its number of battalion tactical groups (BTGs)—the Ground Force's primary maneuver element,' Berrier wrote.

'In 2021, Russia's Defense Minister claimed its force structure could generate 168 BTGs, which is a 75 percent increase from the 96 BTGs it claimed it could generate in 2016.'

Berrier also warned that in the next decade, Russia, which likely has a secret stash of chemical weapons, could also obtain nuclear weapons including a new heavy intercontinental ballistic missile, 'a transoceanic torpedo' and a new intercontinental cruise missile.

Ukrainian servicemen carry containers backdropped by a blaze at a warehouse after a bombing on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, on Thursday

Russian forces bombed a theatre where hundreds of civilians, including children, were sheltering in the encircled port city of Mariupol on Wednesday, the city council said

Putin's forces have continued their brutal military operations across Ukraine by bombing and besieging the city of Mariupol over the last 24 hours. The State Department also confirmed an American citizen was shot dead by Russian forces in the northern city of Chernihiv.

On Thursday, President Joe Biden called Putin a 'murderous dictator and pure thug' in his St. Patrick's Day speech that started with the joke: 'I may be Irish but I am not stupid'.

Biden ramped up his attacks on the Russian leader, a day after finally calling him a war criminal, in remarks that started with him going through his Irish heritage at the annual Friends of Ireland Luncheon.

He called Putin a 'murderous dictator, a pure thug who is waging an immoral war against the people of Ukraine.'

Biden's latest war of words are the most direct at the Russian leader in the 21 days since the start of the invasion.

The Kremlin has also upped the ante by warning the U.S. may need to be 'put in its place' for sharing 'disgusting Russiaphobia'.

President Joe Biden called Vladimir Putin a 'murderous dictator and pure thug' in his St Patrick's Day speech on Thursday that started with the quip: 'I may be Irish but I am not stupid'

President Biden: 'I may be Irish, but I'm not stupid'

As Russian forces pressed their assault on Ukraine, world leaders called anew for an investigation of the Kremlin's repeat attacks on civilian targets, including airstrikes on schools, hospitals and residential areas that led one official to lament that his city had never seen such 'nightmarish, colossal losses.'

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday that American officials were evaluating potential war crimes and that if the intentional targeting of civilians by Russia is confirmed, there will be 'massive consequences.'

In city after city, hospitals, schools and buildings where people sought safety from the bombardment have been attacked. Rescue workers searched for survivors in the ruins of a theater that served as a shelter when it was blown apart by a Russian airstrike in the besieged city of Mariupol.

And in Merefa, near the northeast city of Kharkiv, at least 21 people were killed when Russian artillery destroyed a school and a community center, a local official said.

In Chernihiv, dozens of bodies were brought to the morgue in just one day.

The United Nations political chief, Undersecretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo, also called for an investigation into civilian casualties, reminding the U.N. Security Council on Thursday that international humanitarian law bans direct attacks on civilians.

She said many of the daily attacks battering Ukrainian cities 'are reportedly indiscriminate' and involve the use of 'explosive weapons with a wide impact area.'

DiCarlo said the devastation in Mariupol and Kharkiv 'raises grave fears about the fate of millions of residents of Kyiv and other cities facing intensifying attacks.'

In Mariupol, hundreds of civilians were reportedly taking shelter in a grand, columned theater in the city's center when it was hit Wednesday by Russian forces.

More than a day after the airstrike, there were no reports of deaths. With communications disrupted across the city and movement difficult because of shelling and other fighting, there were conflicting reports on whether anyone had emerged from the rubble.

Satellite imagery on Monday from Maxar Technologies showed huge white letters on the pavement in front of and behind the theater spelling out 'CHILDREN' in Russian - 'DETI' - to alert warplanes to those inside.

Evacuees fleeing Ukraine-Russia conflict walk out of the besieged southern port city of Mariupol, Ukraine March 17, 2022

Pictured: Evacuees fleeing Ukraine-Russia conflict sit in a car as they wait in a line to leave the besieged southern port city of Mariupol, Ukraine March 17, 2022. What appears to be a bullet hole is seen in the car's windscreen

'We hope and we think that some people who stayed in the shelter under the theater could survive,' Petro Andrushchenko, an official with the mayor's office, told The Associated Press. He said the building had a relatively modern basement bomb shelter designed to withstand airstrikes. Other officials said earlier that some people had gotten out.

Video and photos provided by the Ukrainian military showed that the at least three-story building had been reduced to a roofless shell, with some exterior walls collapsed.

Across the city, snow flurries fell around the skeletons of burned, windowless and shrapnel-scarred apartment buildings as smoke rose above the skyline.

'We are trying to survive somehow,' said one Mariupol resident, who gave only her first name, Elena. 'My child is hungry. I don't know what to give him to eat.'

She had been trying to call her mother, who was in a town 50 miles (80 kilometers) away. 'I can't tell her I am alive, you understand. There is no connection, just nothing,' she said.

Cars, some with the 'Z' symbol of the Russian invasion force in their windows, drove past stacks of ammunition boxes and artillery shells in a neighborhood controlled by Russian-backed separatists.

Russia's military denied bombing the theater or anyplace else in Mariupol on Wednesday.

In Chernihiv, at least 53 people were brought to morgues over 24 hours, killed amid heavy Russian air attacks and ground fire, the local governor, Viacheslav Chaus, told Ukrainian TV on Thursday.

Ukraine's emergency services said a mother, father and three of their children, including 3-year-old twins, were killed when a Chernihiv hostel was shelled. Civilians were hiding in basements and shelters across the embattled city of 280,000.

'The city has never known such nightmarish, colossal losses and destruction,' Chaus said.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday said he agreed with President Joe Biden's assessment that war crimes are being committed by Russia in Ukraine

Blinken believes war crimes have been committed in Ukraine

Ukrainian officials said 10 people were killed Wednesday while waiting in a bread line in Chernihiv. An American man was among them, his sister said on Facebook.

The World Health Organization said it has verified 43 attacks on hospitals and health facilities, with 12 people killed and 34 injured.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for more help for his country in a video address to German lawmakers, saying thousands of people have been killed, including 108 children. He also referred to the dire situation in Mariupol, saying: 'Everything is a target for them.'

The address began with a delay because of a technical problem caused by an attack close to where Zelenskyy was speaking, Bundestag deputy speaker Katrin Goering-Eckardt said.

Zelenskyy´s office said Russian airstrikes hit the Kalynivka and Brovary suburbs of the capital, Kyiv. Emergency authorities in Kyiv said a fire broke out in a 16-story apartment building hit by remnants of a downed Russian rocket, and one person was killed.

In remarks early Friday, Zelenskyy said he was thankful to U.S. President Joe Biden for additional military aid, but he would not get into specifics about the new package, saying he did not want Russia to know what to expect.

He said when the invasion began on Feb. 24, Russia expected to find Ukraine much as it did in 2014, when Russia seized Crimea without a fight and backed separatists as they took control of the eastern Donbas region.

Instead, he said, Ukraine had much stronger defenses than expected, and Russia 'didn't know what we had for defense or how we prepared to meet the blow.'

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the Group of Seven leading economies accused Putin of conducting an 'unprovoked and shameful war,' and called on Russia to comply with the International Court of Justice's order to stop its attack and withdraw its forces.

Both Ukraine and Russia this week reported some progress in negotiations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that some negotiators were breaking into working groups.

Zelenskyy said he would not reveal Ukraine's negotiating tactics. 

'Working more in silence than on television, radio or on Facebook,' Zelenskyy said. 'I consider it the right way.'

While details of Thursday's talks were unknown, an official in Zelenskyy´s office told the AP that on Wednesday, the main subject discussed was whether Russian troops would remain in separatist regions in eastern Ukraine after the war and where the borders would be.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive talks, said Ukraine was insisting on the inclusion of one or more Western nuclear powers in the negotiations and on legally binding security guarantees for Ukraine.

In exchange, the official said, Ukraine was ready to discuss a neutral military status.

Russia has demanded that NATO pledge never to admit Ukraine to the alliance or station forces there.

The fighting has led more than 3 million people to flee Ukraine, the U.N. estimates. The death toll remains unknown, though Ukraine has said thousands of civilians have died.

JUST IN: Fresh Facts Emerge On Woman Missing From BRT

Fresh facts has emerged on woman missing from BRT, The Nation report.

The family of Oluwabamise Ayanwola, the 22-year-old female fashion designer whose whereabouts became unknown after she boarded a Lagos State Government owned BRT bus from Chevron Estate in Ajah on her way to Oshodi on February 26, is in deep sorrow over the incident.

In a chat with our correspondent yesterday, Bamise’s sibling, Elizabeth, lamented alleged abduction of her sister by the driver of the bus, identified as Nice Andrew Omininikoron.

Although the operators of the bus said they were awaiting the outcome of police investigation into the matter, the driver, The Nation learnt, was still at large.

Elizabeth told our correspondent yesterday that her missing sister was heading to the brother’s house at Ikotun to stay with the wife who was in ‘labour’.

She reportedly boarded the bus with number 240257 at 7:30pm and became suspicious when the driver told her to sit at one of the back seats.

Bamise’s last movement

Narrating her sister’s last movement, Elizabeth said: “On Saturday evening (February 26), my sister closed at 7 pm. She normally had breaks on Sundays. She works at Ajah as a fashion designer and normally works from Monday to Saturday.

“So when she closed on Saturday (February 26), she wanted to go to my brother’s house because his wife was in labour. My brother stays at Ikotun (a Lagos suburb).

“My missing sister’s house is in Ogun State, Ota precisely. She stays with our aunt who is the first born.

“She called my brother three days before then that she would be coming but she did not know when. On the day she left Ajah, she wanted to surprise my brother by not telling him that she was already on her way.

“She boarded a bus from Chevron Bus Stop. When she entered the BRT bus, it was only her, and there was no light inside the bus.

“She had felt safe inside the BRT bus since it is a popular state bus, but she wondered why it was only her that was in the bus and the driver didn’t pick any other passenger.

“She was even conversing with a colleague of hers because she felt unsafe. She was sending voice notes to her friend. Her friend advised her to drop since the driver didn’t pick up any other passenger.

“Before entering, she informed her friend that the driver was passing some remarks at her but she did n’t answer.

“So later on, the driver later picked up three people on the road: two men and a lady. Then she now felt calm.

“Before the driver picked other persons who had disguised as passengers, she made several videos of the bus and the driver and sent it to her friend. The video captured the bus number. It helped us in tracking the bus.

“Her phone was not low. It is a new phone she just bought three weeks ago. Her friend chatted with her several times, but she didn’t reply.

“She tried calling her via normal call a few minutes to 8 pm, but she didn’t pick up.

“Around 7:32 pm, she posted ‘God, it is your protection I need’ on her Whatsapp status.

“I saw the status but I didn’t see it on time because I was not online.

“After repeated calls, her friend said she heard some voices underneath trying to struggle to get the phone from her.”

Distraught mother

As would be expected, Bamise’s mother of 10 — five boys and five girls — has been seriously disturbed since her daughter went missing. In one of the viral videos seen by The Nation, the distraught mother was seen wailing in front of a bus numbered 240257, at one of the terminals of LBSL, said to be the bus Bamise had boarded.

“This is the vehicle that Bamise boarded. It has been parked. They say they cannot find the driver. Bamise boarded the vehicle at Ajah and said she was going to Oshodi. “The vehicle got to its destination but the child did not get home. We can’t find her. They must find Bamise for me. I didn’t tell her to go to Lagos to die.”

‘How her friend alerted us about her plight’

Asked how the family learnt about Bamise’s plight, Elizabeth said: “It was her friend who was chatting with her that alerted us.

“She called one of my brothers to ask for her whereabouts, but he said he had not seen her.

“I was even in church when they told me that they could not reach her.

“My sister is someone I can vouch for because she is focused and determined. I’ve been crying because I am devastated.

“Since the day she went missing, we’ve been going around different stations. We tracked the driver and the phone number of my sister.

“When we tracked it independently of the police, we tracked it down to Oshodi terminal station. When we got there, they didn’t answer us properly.

“We were told the driver was supposed to resume by 2 pm, but we didn’t know he was around and we were there till 3/4pm.

“We later learnt the following day that the driver was around but took to his heels when he learnt that there was trouble.

“We went to Maroko and Ajah police stations to lodge complaints and we’ve been shuffling through these stations.

“We had to look for his guarantors. After locating one of his guarantors, we were told by the elder brother of the guarantor that his junior brother was not aware he was being used as a guarantor.

“The other guarantor stays at Ekoro axis, while the other stays at Ikoyi axis. They’ve been arrested.

“We’ve spoken with the Commissioner of Police. He had a phone call meeting with the terminal operators and the family to ask for questions that would aid investigation.

“We’ve sent SOS to the governor for about four days but there is no response. We’ve even gone on social media but the government has not given an audience.

“All I want is for my sister to be found. We were told to write a letter to the terminal but they refused us access.

“The police are not taking this issue for granted; they are putting themselves in our shoes because they are handling the case properly”

Last location tracked

According to Elizabeth, the family made an attempt to track the driver’s location and it showed through his phone that he was two streets away from where her missing sister is.

“The last location of the phone tracked is in Ogun State, but the driver is currently on the run.

“We were told that the bus that is directly involved in this whole issue is still operating. This is insensitive.

“Everyone has been disturbed since Saturday that she went missing. The whole family is devastated. We need God’s intervention. I have been fasting and praying.”

Matter under investigation

When The Nation visited the Oshodi terminal on Saturday, normal operations were ongoing with various buses loading commuters for various destinations.

A staff at the terminal, who did not want to be named, said the Oshodi bus terminal is where BRT buses usually load to various destinations and that the family had been directed to Lagos Bus Services Limited where the case would be handled.

He however noted that the terminal operators had escalated the matter because the issue became a stain on the terminal.

“When the family came, they were angry and wanted to create a scene. I now advised them to go to LBS where the matter would be handled, so they are on it.

“The police are investigating too”.

The Nation learnt that Bamise’s family had held a meeting with the Lagos Bus Service Ltd. (LBSL), operators of BRT, on Wednesday, March 2, and the latter assured that efforts were being made to track down the driver.

Police spokesman in Lagos, Adekunle Ajisebutu, who confirmed the incident, said it was under investigation.

“The Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, has directed that no stone should be left unturned to locate her whereabouts. Search parties have also been organised,” Ajisebutu said.

‘Putin doesn’t care about his soldiers’ – US lawmaker predicts what’ll happen to Ukraine

U.S House of Representatives member, Jason Crow, has predicted that the current war with Russia will get worse for the Republic of Ukraine.

Crow, who is a member of the House Armed Services and House Intelligence Committees, also said it was “disappointing” to witness the events unfolding in Kherson, Ukraine’s most strategic city currently being occupied by Russian forces.

Crow, however, expressed optimism that Ukraine troops can retake the city, adding that the Russian armed forces have continued to struggle.

“They’re having logistical problems, re-supply problems, fuel problems. Their morale is extremely low, they’re encountering some desertions,” he told CNN.

He said despite these challenges, Russia still maintains “an overwhelming combat advantage on paper”.

The lawmaker predicted that the war may continue for some time, with Russian President Vladimir Putin not likely to move away from his primary goal.

“This is going to be a long slog. I think if we expect Putin to take an off-ramp here or to de-escalate this because of the toll on his own army, I think we’re not thinking about this in the way that Putin is thinking about this,” Crow detailed.

“He views this as an existential threat to him and his legacy and frankly, he does not care about his own soldiers, ” Crow said, adding that the Russian leader is willing to throw as much combat power and would try to win the war by all means.

“This is going to get worse and worse for the Ukrainians,” Crow predicted, adding “time is on the Russian’s side right now.”

Both nations met at the Belarusian borders for the second time on Thursday to negotiate on the possibilities of ending the war.

Thursday peace talks did not also reach a concrete end as both sides only agreed on a temporary cease-fire to allow the evacuation of citizens and the delivery of aid to areas where fierce fighting has been taking place.

The war between both countries has now entered its ninth day with the Ukrainian President claiming to killed over 9,000 Russian forces as of last Tuesday

Russia Calls on EU, NATO to Stop Arms Supplies to Ukraine

Russia’s foreign ministry called on European Union and NATO countries on Saturday to “stop pumping weapons” to Ukraine, the Russian RIA news agency said.

It said Moscow was particularly worried that portable anti-aerial Stinger missiles could end up in the hands of terrorists, posing a threat to airlines.

People born in these months are always successful, rich and are great pioneers. opinion.

There are a total of 12 zodiac signs, and each sign has its own set of features and flaws, as well as its own set of distinct attributes, requirements, and attitudes toward life and other individuals. We may determine this by looking at the projected present position of the planets, along with the Sun and the Moon, on the Ecliptic at the time of birth. Looking at gemstones can provide us a fast glance into the key characteristics, habits, weaknesses, and concerns of a person’s personality and character.

These four elements contribute to the depiction of noteworthy character types who are associated with heavenly signs in various media. It is important to note that the four zodiac signs have a considerable impact on core character characteristics such as feelings, directness, and reason.

Water Signs: Water signs have an incredible amount of vitality, despite the fact that they are also incredibly fragile. A distinct personality, and they can be as hard to understand as the ocean’s own traits are to observe. Water signs are drawn to huge gatherings of individuals as well as closeness and connection. They only do things in a straightforward manner on a few occasions, but they are always available to aid their loved ones when they need it. Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are the zodiac signs associated with the element of water.

Fire Signs: Fire signs will have a flaming, dynamic, and unstable appearance in terms of their overall design. Additionally, they are fast to explode and quick to pardon when the situation calls for it. They are intrepid explorers who possess a great deal of energy. There is nothing quite like them when it comes to strength, and they are a source of inspiration for all around them. Individuals with fire signs are intelligent, careful, innovative, and happy, and they are always well-prepared. They are represented by fire and are represented by the signs of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius respectively.

Planetary Signs and Symbols (also known as “Earth Signs” or “Earth Signs and Symbols”) are symbols that appear on the surface of the planet and are used to communicate with the outside world.

Earth signs are those that help us to feel “rooted” and provide us with a sense of balance in our daily lives. Their values are frequently conservative and moderate, but they are also capable of getting tremendously excited when the situation calls for it. Because they have a relationship to our physical existence, they can be transformed into concrete objects.. Individuals like these are intelligent, dependable, and steady, and they remain by the side of their families even when faced with difficult circumstances. Earth Signs are those who were born under the zodiac signs of Taurus, Virgo, or Capricorn, respectively.

When it comes to other people’s correspondence and interpersonal ties, air signs are perceptive, social, and head over heels in love with them. The people in this group have brains, are friendly, are intelligent, are open, and are perceptive. They take pleasure in intellectual conversations, get-togethers, and the reading of exceptional literature. They place a high value on providing direction, yet they can be superficial in their approach as much as in their execution. Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are the zodiac signs that are related with the element of air.

According to what we know about the zodiac signs, they can be split into four groups: Virgo, Taurus, Libra, and Capricorn.

The signs of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius are fire signs.

Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn are the signs of the earth element.

Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are the zodiac signs associated with the element of air.

Water signs Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are all represented by the zodiac.

The Aquarius zodiac sign is represented by the dates January 20 – February 18.

Water Bearer is a symbol for the Zodiac sign of Aquarius, which may be seen below:

The Water-Bearer is a character in the novel The Water-Bearer. Water is a symbol of truth, which Aquarians express to the rest of the world in a straightforward and uncomplicated manner, according to astrology. A person who is not afraid to tell it like it is! An Aquarian is a curious person who constantly asks “why?” If you are acquainted with one, you will notice that they frequently wonder “why?” Despite the fact that they do not have perfect faith in anything, they make a concerted effort to appreciate, evaluate, and improve their surroundings. They are forward-thinking, reforming, and unwavering in their commitment. It is their nature to love people regardless of their circumstances; they can appear humble; and, when it matters the most, they are often filled with uncertainty.

Oprah Winfrey, Alicia Keys, and Christian Bale, to mention a few, are all born under the sign of Aquarius.

The Pisces zodiac sign is represented by the dates February 19 – March 20, which correspond to the months of February and March.

The Zodiac sign of Pisces is represented by the following symbol:

A pair of fishes that are tied to one another and swimming in the opposing direction of one another because all Pisceans swim in the midst of fast-moving, energetic streams, and who are tortured by conflicting wants and character-defining cutoff points They are the zodiac’s visionaries and imaginative thinkers; they also have a high level of sensitivity to their surroundings, are imaginative and instinctive, as demonstrated by their zodiac sign. It is possible that they will feel vulnerable, factor, and at times fully overwhelmed by the circumstance due to the fact that they are sensitive to other people’s opinions and sympathetic to their own. As a result of their intense emotional reactions to everything, Pisceans might have a wild time.

Celebrities born under the sign of Pisces include Justin Bieber, Rihanna, and Jessica Biel.

The Aries zodiac sign is represented by the dates March 21 – April 19.

When it comes to Aries, the zodiac sign of the Ram is fitting, given Aries’ persevering, steadfast ability to move to the highest point of the mountain, no matter the circumstances.

If you’re talking to someone, Aries is the most direct, uninhibited, and kind; there is no finesse or stealthy progress with an Aries; they tell you what you need to hear without sugarcoating the truth or sugarcoating the truth-telling. Because everything in their world is a test, and every person is an adversary, they stand out as particularly sincere. Ensure that they remain on your side, or you may be compelled to participate in a Battle Royale event!

Reese Witherspoon, Kourtney Kardashian, and Lady Gaga are among the celebrities who were born under the sign of Aries.

Taurus zodiac sign dates are from April 20 to May 20, and they are on Sundays.

They are recognized for their flexibility and stability, which is why they are the zodiac sign of Taurus (the Bull). They may also be both extremely ferocious and delicately peaceful at the same time, similar to a bull, which is a rare combination. Taureans keep their voices quiet, maintain their composure, and are materialistic in their outlook. During the course of their normal day-to-day existence, they admire precious objects, and they have a stylish/elegant side that is hidden from view. To them, money is crucial because it provides both stability and the ability to take pleasure in their lives. The two of them are what people refer to as ‘catnip.’

Taurus geniuses include actors Channing Tatum and The Queen, as well as actress Jessica Alba, to mention a few examples.

The Gemini horoscope has dates ranging from May 21 to June 20, according to the zodiac.

Photographic representation of the Zodiac sign Gemini: The Twins, who are defined by their duality and variety, as well as by their ability to speak twice as rapidly and communicate twice as much as the other individual Geminis are high-spirited, interesting, inquisitive, and quick to react to situations. That which keeps them ready is the anxious energy they have, as well as their ability to perceive boundaries, and it is this that gives them the impression of being visionaries at times. There is no trouble in talking themselves into (and out of) any predicament because they have a great mastery of the English language.

Zodiac signs connected with Gemini include Angelina Jolie, Kanye West, and Marilyn Monroe, to name a few famous people.

The dates for oncology are June 21 – July 22.

The crab is the zodiac sign Cancer’s representation, which is suitable given the way they are recognized and viewed by the general public and media. A protective shell shields the delicate substance that lies beneath it from being contaminated by other substances (their ludicrous energetic affectability). As with their fellow man or woman, Cancerians are brave, venerating, and enormously self-aware, just as they are of themselves. It is the Moon who is in charge of their senses, and their perceptions differ according to the Moon’s direction of influence. They’re sneaky, and if they’re feeling very irritated, they can be rather controlling. It is because of their large hearts that they are so committed to their loved ones.

Cancer has claimed the lives of a number of celebrities like Ariana Grande, Chris Pratt, and Lana Del Rey, among others.

The Leo zodiac sign is represented by the dates of July 32 through August 22.

With their grandiose and decent demeanor, the Lion is considered to be both the zodiac sign of leadership and the sign of protection. People that they believe are in need of protection receive extra protection from these creatures. Leos are forward-thinking individuals who plan for the future and do exceptionally well in their endeavors. A character who delights in being the center of attention while enjoying performing and resting is presented. They are generally pleasant and empowering people to be around, despite the fact that their mental self-view can lead them to engage in noteworthy behavior. They are also certain characters who are extraordinary to spend time with.

Leo is represented by celebrities such as Kylie Jenner, Barack Obama, and Jennifer Lopez, to name just a few.

September 23 – October 22 are the days for the Virgo zodiac sign, according to the Gregorian calendar.

It is the zodiac sign of Virgo that represents the Virgin, and they are noted for their unblemished characteristics, as well as for their modest and upstanding demeanor. In many depictions, they are seen carrying a stack of wheat, which refers to the treatment of musings and aptitudes for the advantage of the larger community. Other traits of Virgos include an acute sense of vision, a strong sense of judgment, logical perceptiveness, and a fascinating insight, among other things. To be light-footed and quick to satisfy others’ needs/provide assistance, or something along those lines, is considered normal conduct in today’s society. We think you’ll enjoy having him as a member of your group!

Beyonce, Freddie Mercury, and Pink are all well-known Virgos in the world.

The Libra zodiac sign is represented by the dates September 23 – October 22.

Libra is represented by the the following zodiac signs:

The Scales – because Librans are all about establishing a healthy balance in their life, this is a good symbol for them. Their principal objectives are to maintain a level playing field and to conduct themselves with delicacy and decency at all times.

Unquestionably accommodative and accommodating individual! Persons with a strong sense of purpose, the ability to do tasks quickly, as well as their ability to be social and intelligent, as well as their superb taste. They make the world a more attractive place by simply being themselves! Their amicability, on the other hand, can manifest itself in such a “shape shifting” manner that you begin to doubt WHO they genuinely are, where it really matters, or what they truly acknowledge.

Cardi B, Will Smith, and Kim Kardashian are just a few of the celebrities who were born under the sign of Libra.

The Scorpio zodiac sign is represented by the dates October 23 – November 21.

The zodiac sign of Scorpio is represented by the following image:

Due to the fact that Scorpios are considered to be dangerous, the Scorpion is an enigmatic monster that may bring harm to its foes at any time it is disturbed. Precautions must be taken! When it comes to qualities, Scorpios are a cyclone of coherence anomalies that are both strong and weak, energetic and frigid, self-sufficient and long-lasting. A different purpose is served by each layer and level, and there is always a “plan within an arrangement.” It is only when it comes to people they care about that they become fiercely ardent and cautious. Scorpios are typically effective in attaining what they require for the duration of their usual daily lives; they are hardworking and caring individuals who care about others.

Drake, Katy Perry, and Winona Ryder are among famous people that were born under the zodiac sign Scorpio.

The Sagittarius zodiac sign is represented by the dates November 22 – December 21, which correspond to the months of November and December, respectively.

Illustration of the Zodiac sign of Sagittarius:

When you take into consideration the manner in which they arrive at heavenward and lawful, the Archer takes pleasure in the exterior and the passion of the scenario, and he appreciates it. A renegade who is self-governing and who respects the doors of other people! When it comes to being heartlessly reasonable, Sagittarians are transparent and reveal their essential core to all observers. They act before they think, and they are dependable in their willingness to assist others if they are able. Although their sincerity and determination to break free may be perplexing to those with whom they have a strong relationship, people adore them for these attributes.

Nicki Minaj, Chrissie Teigen, and Jake Gyllenhaal are just a few of the celebrities who were born under the sign of Sagittarius.

The Capricorn horoscope has dates ranging from December 22nd to January 19th in the traditional calendar.

Due to the fact that the goat is the zodiac sign of Capricorn’s representative animal, and because they are a chosen animal who elevates the route by exploiting whatever footing they can get their hands on, they are considered to be the sign’s representative animal. Consistently moving in the right direction. Capricorns are frugal, unyielding, limited, indispensable, and chosen, and they are the type of person who quietly rises above their partners, much to the surprise of those around them. Capricorns are the sign of the tiger. Most of them are visionary and determined in their pursuit of their aspirations, and they are forward-thinking in their thinking. They are preoccupied with their material well-being as much as their social standing.

Capricorns include Noomi Rapace, Pitbull, and Kate Middleton, all of whom are well-known celebrities.