Nigeria Joins 106 Nations in UN Vote Calling for Ceasefire, Peace in Ukraine

On the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Nigeria joined 106 other UN member states in voting for a resolution calling for peace, sovereignty, and humanitarian protection for Ukraine. The vote took place during an emergency special session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.

The resolution, titled “Support for Lasting Peace in Ukraine”, was adopted with 107 votes in favour, 12 against, and 51 abstentions, including the United States. It calls for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace, an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, the exchange of prisoners of war, and the return of civilians forcibly transferred, including children. The General Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity within internationally recognised borders.

UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock described the war as shattering the peaceful aspirations of Europe and stressed that “war must never be the new normal.” She highlighted that generations in Europe have long lived in peace, but Russia’s invasion disrupted this reality.

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UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the conflict a “stain on our collective conscience” and a continuing threat to regional and international security. He warned that prolonged warfare increases civilian casualties, with 2025 witnessing the highest number of civilian deaths in Ukraine since the invasion began. Guterres urged the international community to “use every diplomatic tool” to secure a full and unconditional ceasefire as a first step toward lasting peace.

During the session, Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa condemned the invasion as a “war against the rules-based international order,” citing attacks on civilians, nuclear threats, and the forced deportation of children as potential war crimes. She reiterated that Ukraine rejects territorial concessions, insists on sovereignty as a red line, and called for stronger sanctions, air defense, binding security guarantees, and accountability for war crimes.

Conversely, the Russian Federation’s delegate rejected the resolution’s narrative, accusing European states of escalating the war while ignoring negotiations. Moscow reaffirmed its preference for diplomacy and stated that any settlement must address “root causes” and reflect “new territorial realities.”

The resolution demonstrates the broad international support for Ukraine, highlights Nigeria’s commitment to multilateral diplomacy, and emphasizes the urgent need for peaceful conflict resolution and adherence to international law as Russia’s invasion enters its fifth year.

Nigeria Joins 106 Nations in UN Vote Calling for Ceasefire, Peace in Ukraine

Israeli Settlers Torch, Deface West Bank Mosque During Ramadan

TELL, West Bank — Israeli settlers have vandalized and set fire to the Abu Bakr al-Siddiq Mosque in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, authorities confirmed, marking the latest in a series of attacks on Palestinian religious sites amid a surge in settler violence. The attack occurred early Monday during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Worshippers arriving for morning prayers discovered the mosque’s entrance smoldering, with black smoke staining the doorway and broken glass scattered across the area. According to the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Religious Affairs, settlers spray-painted offensive graffiti, including derogatory references to Islam and slogans linked to extremist “price tag” operations.

Local resident Munir Ramdan described the scene: “I was shocked when I opened the door. The fire had been burning here, the glass was broken, and the door was damaged.” Security footage reportedly shows two individuals carrying gasoline and spray paint approaching the mosque before fleeing the scene.

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The incident is part of a broader pattern of attacks on mosques in the West Bank, with the Palestinian Ministry of Religious Affairs reporting that 45 mosques were vandalized or attacked last year. Residents said the assault was a deliberate provocation during Ramadan, targeting both the religious sanctity of the mosque and the spiritual practice of fasting.

The Israeli military and police responded to reports of the incident and are actively searching for suspects. While the military condemned harm to religious institutions, Palestinian officials and rights groups say Israeli authorities often fail to hold settlers accountable for violence.

The attack comes amid a recent rise in settler violence, including last week’s killing of a 19-year-old Palestinian-American, Nasrallah Abu Siyam, highlighting ongoing tensions between settlers and Palestinian communities in the occupied territories.

Israeli Settlers Torch, Deface West Bank Mosque During Ramadan

Iranian Army Helicopter Crashes Into Market, Four Killed

At least four people have died after an Iranian Army helicopter crashed into a fruit and vegetable market in Dorcheh, central Iran, on Tuesday morning, authorities and state media reported.

The helicopter, reportedly on a training flight, went down around 9:09 a.m. local time, striking market stalls and sparking a fire, which was later extinguished by emergency responders. Among the deceased are the pilot and co-pilot, both members of the Iranian Army Aviation, and two civilians who were present at the market during the crash.

Officials indicated that a technical malfunction may have caused the accident, though a full investigation is ongoing to determine the exact circumstances. Local authorities and rescue teams were immediately dispatched to secure the scene, assist victims, and clear debris from the market area.

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Dorcheh, located about 330 km south of Tehran, is in a region hosting key military installations, including a major airbase. The crash adds to concerns over the safety of Iran’s aging military aircraft fleet, which has been affected by decades-long sanctions restricting access to spare parts and modern equipment.

This incident comes days after another military aircraft crash in Hamadan province, where an F‑4 fighter jet went down during a training flight, killing one of its pilots. Aviation safety remains a growing concern in Iran, particularly for military training operations.

Authorities have pledged a comprehensive investigation into the Dorcheh helicopter crash and have called for measures to ensure safety around public areas near military flight paths.

Iranian Army Helicopter Crashes Into Market, Four Killed