Headlines
Despite being Poisoned, Roman Abramovich attends Russia-Ukraine Peace talks in Turkey

By Derrick Bangura
Following claims that he had had symptoms of probable poisoning, Roman Abramovich is attending peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul.
On Tuesday morning in Istanbul, the oligarch was photographed at the talks, which were the first face-to-face talks between the two parties in more than a week.
Three sources told Reuters Mr Abramovich was present at the talks, while footage posted on social media showed him speaking to delegates. Separate pictures showed the businessman speaking to Turkish president Recep Tayipp Erdogan.
Mr Abramovich suffered symptoms of a poisoning earlier this month along with two Ukrainian peace negotiators during talks at the Ukraine-Belarus border, according to the Wall Street Journal . His symptoms included sore eyes and peeling skin, it is claimed.
The Foreign Office branded the reports “very concerning”, while education minister Will Quince told Sky News that the Government would look to “establish the facts” around the claims.
Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday said Mr Abramovich had offered to help broker a peace deal with the Kremlin, with the oligarch reportedly making several trips to Kyiv at the start of the month.
Mr Zelensky has asked US officials to refrain from sanctioning Mr Abramovich, claiming he could play a role in helping to negotiate a ceasefire.
Earlier this month, the British government froze Mr Abramovich’s assets over his links to President Vladimir Putin – plunging his football club Chelsea FC into financial crisis. The club is currently in the process of being sold but the process is being overseen by ministers.
The Kremlin has said previously that Mr Abramovich played an early role in peace talks but the process was now in the hands of the two sides’ negotiating teams.
Ukrainian and Russian delegates arrived in Istanbul on Monday night as fighting on the ground edged closer to a stalemate.
Speaking before the beginning of the negotiations on Tuesday, Mr Erdogan called for an immediate ceasefire and called on Russia to “stop this tragedy”.
“We think we have now entered a period where concrete results are needed from talks,” he added.
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Monday Ukraine’s most ambitious goal at the Turkey talks this week was to agree a ceasefire. A senior US official said Russian President Vladimir Putin does not appear ready to make compromises to end the war.
Headlines
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Headlines
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
Headlines
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
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