The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) is set to deploy the first batch of 50 officers to help intensify the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) activities in the Western Region.

‎They would be stationed across three areas, namely, Ahanta West, Wassa Amenfi East municipalities, and Ellembelle District, and would also supervise the operations of the other assemblies.

Lieutenant Colonel (Lt. Col.) Joshua Satekla, Deputy Director of Operations at NAIMOS, said this during a stakeholder engagement with Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), and two Regional Police Commanders in the Western Region at Sekondi.

The meeting was to brief participants on the Secretariat’s role in combating the galamsey and seek the support from the MMDCEs for the first set of officers scheduled for deployment to the region.

Lt. Col. Satekla stated that the mandate given to the NAIMOS by the government was vital in ensuring that water bodies and forest reserves were protected from destruction by galamsey, adding that they could only achieve that with the support of all stakeholders.

He said: “We are not in to stop mining, but we are there to stop illegal mining and people mining some key priority areas, so there is a need for us to work together to ensure a sustainable environment for all.”

He, however, mentioned interference from politicians, chiefs, and other influential individuals as a major obstacle in the fight against illegal mining.

Lt. Col. Satekla said inadequate logistics were a problem hindering them from effectively delivering on their mandates.

“Our two key challenges are interference from influential people, and we have that from the politicians, chiefs and other key stakeholders in the various areas where we have worked.

“And the other one is logistics, which are big problems that we need to discuss,” he stated.

Lt. Col. Satekla, therefore, called for the full support of the local assemblies, stressing that a collective effort was essential in combating illegal mining in the country.

The MMDCEs took turns to express their support and work with the NAIMOS to help fight the galamsey menace in their respective areas.

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Executive Director of Transparency International–Ghana, Mary Addah, says public trust in Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts has sunk even deeper because of how major cases involving high-profile officials have been handled by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

She says the Cecilia Dapaah case and the ongoing matter involving the former Finance Minister have entrenched long-standing distrust among citizens who once hoped the OSP would transform accountability in the country.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on December 8, she said the failures of the office cannot be blamed on only one factor.

“So it is both. It is both,” she said, responding to a question on whether the problem lies with the occupier of the office or with the structure itself.

She drew a comparison with how the RTI Commission was set up to explain the depth of the structural gaps.

“Let me use the RTI example, for instance, to give you what we are talking about in the passage of the RTI law and the setting up of the commission. When the law was passed, we realised that there was a one-year cooling-off period to ensure that the office was set up and set up very well.”

She said the approach with the Special Prosecutor’s Office was the opposite.

“In the case of the SP, when the law was passed, by February, the SP was appointed. He didn’t have space to even operate, and so the first SP had his issues of setting up office, which office he wanted and who he was going to work with.

“He didn’t have staff. And for about three years, we went up and down. So structurally, we had a flaw, a serious flaw there.”

Mary Addah said independence was also compromised.

“The issues around independence, either being substantive or otherwise, also remain a key problem, because we saw that in the execution of the mandate, we continue to see interference, and it led to the first SP leaving office and the second one taking office.”

She said public confidence had already been weak, and the OSP’s early struggles made things worse.

“Remember that the appetite of citizens, as well, and at the time, in the fight against corruption, was very low.

“Because the trust levels were very low, we thought that the politician would do what they would do to get away with what they would do anyway. And so, citizens’ trust had dwindled citizens believe.”

She said specific cases deepened that distrust.

“And this has been entrenched by some of the cases that have come through the office. For instance, in the issue of Cecilia Dapaah, we saw that this case didn’t go anywhere.

“And then now we also have the issue of the former Minister of Finance, who is also treading almost the same path and the trust of citizens, that’s why the voices are that loud.”

Despite the concerns, she said new institutions need room to find their footing.

“But it remains also true that in setting up an office, we should give them time to be able to settle in, to put in place structures.”

When host Evans Mensah asked whether eight years was not enough time, she responded that the answer depends on the tools the office has been given.

“Yes, it depends on what we have given them and how they are doing it.”

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• Alassane Ouattara is sworn in after winning the October 25 election.

• He pledges to serve all Ivorians and uphold national unity.

• His new term centers on cohesion and continued socio-economic development.

Alassane Ouattara, declared the winner of the October 25, 2025 presidential election, was sworn in on December 8 in Abidjan.

During his oath of office, he expressed gratitude to voters and renewed his commitment to serve all Ivorians with humility and a sense of duty. He said he would remain the president of all Ivorians, without distinction, dedicated solely to the public interest.

The statement sets the tone for his new term, which is focused on national cohesion and the continuation of socio-economic development.

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. on Monday defended his administration’s recent trip to Ghana, describing it as a targeted effort to secure new investment, build long-term trade pathways, and establish cultural and economic ties he says the territory has neglected for generations.

Speaking at Government House and later in a follow-up interview, Bryan said the official delegation met with the president of Ghana, key ministers, investors, bank executives, and regional leaders to explore opportunities tied to free-trade access, manufacturing, shipping, and data security. The governor framed the mission as the beginning of a deeper trans-Atlantic relationship — one he argues is necessary as global trade patterns shift and U.S. policy toward Africa evolves.

“This journey was not about pictures for social media,” Bryan said during his weekly briefing. “It was about opportunities for our people and preparing the Virgin Islands for the next lanes of global trade.”

The governor’s remarks come amid ongoing questions — some sharp — about the purpose, cost, and makeup of the delegation. In follow-up questions, he acknowledged the trip’s price tag prompted him to cut back the number of travelers, including his own security detail. “A lot of people asked to go, but it was too expensive,” he said. “This was a business trip. It was meetings every single day.”

Bryan said criticisms that the trip was unnecessary or recreational overlook the deeper economic rationale and ignore precedent. “Nobody asked the same questions when governors traveled to Denmark. We have gotten nothing from Denmark,” he said. “But we have real opportunities with Ghana.”

The Low-Hanging Fruit: Free-Trade Access, Manufacturing, Fiber, Cultural Exchange

At multiple points in the briefing, Bryan tied the trip to long-standing efforts to expand the territory’s economic footprint beyond tourism and rum. One focus: integrating Ghanaian imports into the Virgin Islands’ existing Economic Development Commission benefits and the federally recognized free-trade zone located on St. Croix.

The governor said the USVI’s zone operates similarly to stateside facilities, where manufacturers can import goods or components duty-free, assemble them locally, and reexport them as U.S. products. “It is an industry-recognized structure,” he explained, “and it could be more attractive than just telling companies we have land for lease.”

Bryan said several Ghanaian industries — from cocoa processors to agricultural exporters — are looking for footholds into the U.S. market as federal trade preferences under AGOA (the African Growth and Opportunity Act) expire. The USVI, he said, can offer lower shipping distances than East Coast ports, renewable energy options emerging through WAPA’s new solar build-out, and tax advantages through the EDC program.

The governor also said the administration is trying to align lower-cost power in the free-trade zone with companies committed to reducing their carbon footprint, particularly large manufacturers. “WAPA can sell renewable energy cheaper in the zone,” he said, noting that global brands now seek green-power sourcing to meet corporate mandates.

He added that recent interest in the shuttered Renaissance site on St. Croix could accelerate plans to develop the south shore into an industrial incubator. “I think the sale of that property is imminent,” Bryan said.

Another highlight, according to Bryan, was engagement with two major West African financial institutions — Access Bank Ghana and First Bank Ghana. Bryan said Access Bank, which already maintains regional activity in the Caribbean, expressed interest in creating a business presence in the USVI.

“They’re talking about doing business here,” he said. “It’s not just about the bank — it’s about the clients who would follow the bank. Those are investors, exporters, manufacturers looking for U.S. access.”

Bryan said he expects delegations from the president’s office in Ghana and from at least one bank to visit the territory in the first quarter of 2026.

Meanwhile, another proposal discussed during the trip involves a direct fiber-optic cable between the U.S. Virgin Islands and West Africa — an idea Bryan says has circulated for years but could now be viable.

Currently, data traffic between the Americas and Africa routes through South America and then across the Atlantic, often landing in North Africa before reaching West Africa. “There is no direct link from the U.S. to Africa,” Bryan said. “A dedicated connection creates security, speed, and economic advantage.”

If anchored in the territory, such a cable could position the USVI as a strategic data gateway — an opportunity Bryan says the Ghanaian government is eager to explore. He said his administration has asked Ghana’s president for a formal letter of support that could help secure federal backing in Washington.

Beyond trade, Bryan emphasized the importance of cultural recognition and historical reconciliation throughout the trip. He described visiting sites associated with the trans-Atlantic slave trade and called the experience “humbling.”

“We come from people who refused to give up,” he said. “Establishing cultural and educational exchange with Africa is essential if we’re going to understand who we are.”

He said the administration is exploring exchange programs involving teachers, nurses, artisans, and performers, and has invited Ghanaian groups to participate in Virgin Islands festivals. Discussions also began about culinary collaborations — particularly around seasoning traditions and rice dishes shared across the Caribbean and West Africa.

Who Went, and Why

Bryan confirmed the core delegation included himself, Labor Commissioner Garry Molloy, EDA Executive Director Wayne Biggs, Deputy Tourism Commissioner RoseAnne Farrigton, his deputy chief of staff Kevin Rodriguez, viNGN Executive Director Stephan Adams, and a limited security detail, among others. He said he originally planned a larger group but reduced the list due to cost.

He also indicated he did not personally select every attendee. “I didn’t even know the Labor commissioner was coming until later,” he said. “But it was good he came.”

Asked whether the administration offered seats to a broader mix of agencies or private-sector representatives, Bryan said cost and the mission’s diplomatic nature limited participation.

Pressed on next steps, Bryan said he wants to see “something established” before the end of his term to ensure future administrations build on the groundwork. That includes:

• A formalized cultural partnership or “VI–Africa Week” tied to existing proclamation efforts
• A framework for business exchange through the Ghanaian banking sector
• Early-stage manufacturing or processing operations linked to the free-trade zone
• Momentum on a direct fiber-optic connection
• Continued dialogue with the African diaspora coalition and congressional supporters

“This is just the beginning stage,” he said. “But we need something concrete so the next administration continues this.”

He added that he expects two Ghanaian delegations — in government and banking — to visit the territory early next year.

The Source has asked in writing for the final financials of the trip, including the names of all those in the delegation and expense breakdown per person.

Broader Government House Updates

Earlier in the briefing, Bryan thanked the Legislature for passing three major bills — new hotel financing tools, solar-battery storage authorizations, and a partnership to redevelop the Crown Bay waterfront. He also outlined holiday schedules, upcoming ribbon cuttings, and ongoing recovery milestones, including FEMA-funded school and hospital projects.

But the governor returned repeatedly to the trip, saying the U.S. Virgin Islands cannot afford to sit on the sidelines as global markets evolve.

“We are carrying the memory of our ancestors,” he said. “But we also have to build new lanes of opportunity for the next generation of Virgin Islanders.”

Former President of the Ghana Bar Association, Sam Okudzeto, says the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has failed to achieve the purpose for which it was created.

He believes corruption remains widespread and visible, and the OSP has made no real dent in the problem.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on December 8, he said the starting point is to ask why the institution was set up and whether it has delivered.

“Sometimes someone says it is not what you think you are entitled to, it is what you can give, but it should be. So you’re asking me this question. The question is simply this: why was the institution set up? Has it achieved its purpose?” he said.

When host Evans Mensah asked if the OSP had, in fact, achieved that purpose, Mr Okudzeto was direct. “I don’t think so. That is exactly the issue that I’m trying to drive here. He hasn’t achieved his purpose because the corruption is still on. I see it every day.

“Everywhere you turn in every institution, you see it openly. They don’t even… they are not even afraid. People are no longer even afraid. You go there, and they demand money from you to do this for you, when you already paid.”

Asked if scrapping the OSP was the solution, Mr Okudzeto insisted the core problem is duplication of roles. He argued that the Attorney-General’s Department already has the mandate to prosecute all crimes, including corruption.

“Yeah, I’m saying that that institution is not achieving its purpose. Because look at it this way, you have an attorney general’s department. Is that not correct? Yes, in that department, they have a civil section, and then they have a prosecutorial section.

“This one is headed by the Director of Public Prosecution. The other one is headed by the Solicitor General. Now, what is the director of all prosecution supposed to do? He’s supposed to prosecute criminal offences which will include corruption, corruption-related related.

“There is nothing which makes corruption anymore different from any other crime. We have a director of public prosecution, that is his job. Why do you create another institution to do the same job? That’s the whole issue.”

Evans Mensah pointed out that the OSP was designed as a special-purpose vehicle to deal only with corruption.

But Mr Okudzeto countered that countries with special prosecutors only appoint them to tackle very specific, one-off problems.

“You see, in other places where you have this special prosecutor, it means that there is a specific problem that has arisen, and you want that person to go there and solve that problem. You don’t create the whole institution for it, as we have done; if you like, you can go and search and ask where and where do we have that kind of institution?

“You see, the Prime Minister of England, you know what his position was before? You know how he got the knighthood? He was the director of public prosecution. Justice D. F. Anang, who became the Speaker of Parliament, was also Director of Public Prosecutions.”

He aligned himself with those calling for the OSP to be scrapped and the Attorney-General’s office strengthened instead.

“That is what should have been done. But I suspect that somebody thought that corruption was too rampant in the country, and therefore, to create an institution for that purpose was a good idea. And then, of course, you appoint an individual. Don’t forget, it’s just an individual you’ve appointed.

“Then you are now trying to create an institution around that individual. What is the background of that? That’s the question I ask. What is his background of that individual? If I am going to try and select one of the top legal luminaries and say that I’m giving him that just a different thing.”

He warned that building institutions around untested individuals is risky. “I’m just saying that when you don’t train people to do a job, you think that creating institutions, particularly when they think it’s just an individual, it’s dangerous… It’s very, very dangerous.”

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

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Prof. Henry Kwasi Prempeh, Executive Director of the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has called for a constitutional solution to address the ongoing controversies surrounding the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Monday, December 8, Prof. Prempeh said the challenges confronting the OSP cannot be resolved through piecemeal reforms or prolonged litigation. He warned that without a decisive constitutional remedy, the office risks becoming ineffective or eventually disappearing.

He argued that the situation demands a fundamental constitutional rethink, rather than attempts to “renovate around the problem.”

“The problem we’re facing now calls for a constitutional solution. Basically, that is how we can resolve this impasse. If we don’t, we start litigating around it, and the Office will disappear at some point if we don’t solve the problem.

“If we’re serious about solving the problem, there’s no shortage of innovative ideas to deal with it. There are comparative models around; we can innovate our own,” he suggested.

His comments come amid growing calls by the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, and some Members of Parliament for the abolition of the OSP, with responsibilities for investigating and prosecuting corruption-related offences being transferred to the Attorney-General’s Department.

Addressing Parliament on Wednesday, December 3, Mr. Ayariga questioned the rationale behind what he described as the under-resourcing of the Attorney-General’s Department while significant funds are allocated to the OSP, which he argued has failed to meet public expectations.

The debate over the future of the OSP continues as key stakeholders consider various options to strengthen Ghana’s anti-corruption architecture.

Ace Ankomah: OSP must merge with DPP and EOCO to ensure independence

Former president of the Ghana Bar Association, Sam Okudzeto, says corruption remains widespread in Ghana because the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has failed to achieve the purpose for which it was created.

He believes the institution has missed its mission and should never have existed in the first place.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on December 8, Mr Okudzeto said the country continues to see blatant acts of corruption in public institutions, making it clear that the OSP has not changed anything.

He argued that the office has not delivered the results Ghanaians expected when it was established.

“Sometimes someone says it is not what you think you are entitled to, but it is what you can give. But it should be. So you’re asking me this question. The question is simply this: why was the institution set up? Has it achieved its purpose?” he asked.

Host Evans Mensah pushed further: “Has it? What would you say?”

“I don’t think so. That is exactly the issue that I’m trying to drive here. It hasn’t achieved its purpose, because the corruption is still on. I see it every day. Everywhere you turn in every institution, you see it openly.

“They are not even afraid. People are no longer even afraid. You go there, and they demand money from you to do this for you when you already paid,” he said.

Asked whether scrapping the OSP would solve the problem, Mr Okudzeto insisted the office simply duplicates the mandate of existing state institutions and was unnecessary from the start.

“Yeah, I’m saying that that institution is not achieving its purpose. Because look at it this way, you have an Attorney-General’s Department. Is that not correct? Yes. In that department, they have a civil section, and then they have a prosecutorial section. This one is headed by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

“The other one is headed by the Solicitor General. Now, what is the Director of Public Prosecutions supposed to do? He’s supposed to prosecute criminal offences which will include corruption and corruption-related.

“There is nothing which makes corruption any more different than any other crime. We have a Director of Public Prosecutions. That is his job. Why do you create another institution to do the same job? That’s the whole issue.”

Evans Mensah noted that the OSP was meant to be a special-purpose vehicle to deal only with corruption-related offences.

But Mr Okudzeto rejected that argument. He said countries that adopt a special prosecutor typically appoint one to tackle a specific problem, not build an entire institution around the role.

According to him, Ghana’s decision to treat the position as a standalone office was misguided.

“You see, in other places where you have this special prosecutor, it means that there is a specific problem that has arisen, and you want that person to go there and solve that problem. You don’t create the whole institution for it, as we have done.

“If you like, you can go and search and ask where and where do we have that kind of institution? You see, the Prime Minister of England, you know what his position was before? You know how he got the knighthood? He was the Director of Public Prosecutions. Justice D. F. Anang, who became the Speaker of Parliament, was also Director of Public Prosecutions,” he said.

Asked whether he agrees with those calling for the OSP to be scrapped and the Attorney-General’s Department strengthened instead, he responded without hesitation.

“That is what should have been done. But I suspect that somebody thought that corruption was too rampant in the country, and, therefore, to create an institution for that purpose was a good idea. And then, of course, you appoint an individual. Don’t forget, it’s just an individual you’ve appointed.

“Then you are now trying to create an institution around that individual. What is the background of that? That’s the question I ask. What is his background of that individual? If I am going to try and select one of the top legal luminaries and say that I’m giving him that, that’s a different thing.”

He warned that building institutions around individuals without properly preparing them for the job is dangerous.

“I’m just saying that when you don’t train people to do a job, you think that creating institutions, particularly when they think it’s just an individual, it’s dangerous. It’s very, very dangerous,” he said.

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According to NAPO, the NPP’s greatest strength has always been its ability to remain united

The running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 general elections and former Energy Minister, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO has called for deeper unity, discipline and civility within the party as it prepares for its upcoming internal contests.

In an inspirational message shared on his official Facebook page, Dr Prempeh revealed that he had engaged Regional and Constituency Executives in the Bono Region, where he underscored the urgent need for members to avoid insults, hostility and divisive rhetoric during the primaries.

According to him, the NPP’s greatest strength has always been its ability to remain united under one banner, Development in Freedom and that this must guide the conduct of all party actors.

“This is a home contest,” he said. “Once the primaries are over, we will need every member standing firmly behind the elephant to drive our electoral agenda. Unity is not optional; it is the foundation on which we build victory.”

Dr Prempeh stressed that discipline and mutual respect are essential for rebuilding trust and strengthening internal cohesion ahead of the 2024 polls.

He urged party communicators, executives and grassroots members alike to be guided by the higher interest of the NPP and Ghana.

He also encouraged delegates to rally behind Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, describing him as a leader whose record of competence, service and dedication positions him strongly to steer the party confidently into its next chapter.

“Our future is brighter when we move together. With unity of purpose and clarity of vision, we will secure victory and deliver hope for Ghana,” he added.

Dr Prempeh ended his message with a renewed call for collective responsibility and positive campaigning, assuring party supporters that the NPP remains the party of progress, opportunity and national renewal.

play videoChayilMuzik is a fast-rising young musician

Ghana’s rising young music sensation, Chayil Minhyira Morrison, known professionally as ChayilMuzik, has released her debut single, “Joy of the Bells,” an Afro-inspired Christmas song designed to usher families into the warmth and celebration of the festive season.

The new release follows the incredible attention Chayil has received online for her soul-stirring covers, including “Gyatabruwa,” “Lean on Me,” Westlife’s “You Raise Me Up,” Gramps Morgan’s “People Like You,” and her widely loved Easter Medley. These performances earned her a fast-growing audience and positioned her as one of the most promising young voices in Ghana’s music space.

With “Joy of the Bells,” the 12-year-old steps confidently into a new phase of her artistry. The song blends the familiar essence of classic Christmas carols with vibrant Afro rhythms, creating a joyful sound that appeals to both children and adults. It captures the laughter, warmth, anticipation, and magic that define the Christmas season.

Beyond her musical gifts, Chayil made national headlines during Ghana’s 2024 elections through her patriotic project, “The Sound of Unity.” She used her voice to champion peace among the youth, collaborated with key national institutions, and promoted harmony before, during, and after the elections—a contribution that earned admiration across the country.

Now, with “Joy of the Bells,” Chayil shifts her message to something lighter and festive—joy, dance, family, and togetherness. The single is crafted for homes, churches, schools, concerts, and every space where Christmas cheer is welcomed.

At just 12 years old, ChayilMuzik continues to show discipline, creativity, and purpose far beyond her years. With more projects on the way, she is steadily establishing herself as one of Ghana’s brightest young voices to watch.

“Joy of the Bells” is out now and available on YouTube and all major streaming platforms.

European leaders have said “now is a critical moment” to ramp up support for Ukraine and put pressure on Russia to bring an end to the war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in London on Monday to discuss the latest version of a peace plan, drafted between Ukrainian and US officials last week.

The European leaders said more work was needed to obtain security guarantees for Ukraine, as the US puts pressure on Kyiv to agree a swift deal with Russia.

Zelensky, who travelled on to Brussels to meet Nato officials, said that Ukraine would share a revised plan with the US on Tuesday.

Last week, Ukrainian officials spent three days with the US negotiating team in Florida pushing for changes to a US-backed peace proposal which has been widely considered favourable to Russia.

Answering questions from journalists after Monday’s meeting in London, Zelensky said that the “most certainly anti-Ukrainian points have been removed” from the initial deal proposed in November.

But the Ukrainian president acknowledged that there were some outstanding concerns about ceding territory and a compromise had “not yet been found there”.

The US has proposed that Ukraine pull its forces entirely out of eastern regions, which Russia has attempted to take by force, but has been unable to capture in full. In return, the US says Russia would withdraw elsewhere, and there would be a cessation of fighting.

But this is an unpalatable option for Zelensky, who refuses to reward Moscow for its aggression and who has repeatedly warned that Russia would use any foothold in the eastern regions to launch future assaults on Ukraine.

“Americans are inclined, in principle, to finding a compromise,” Zelensky said on Monday.

He added that the issue of security guarantees – which Ukraine wants to ensure Russia would be deterred from carrying out future attacks in the event of a peace deal – had yet to be resolved.

A spokesperson for the UK prime minister’s office said: “The leaders all agreed that now is a critical moment and that we must continue to ramp up support to Ukraine and economic pressure on Putin to bring an end to this barbaric war.

“The leaders discussed the importance of the US-led peace talks for European security and supported the progress made,” the statement said.

Leaders also “underscored the need for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, which includes robust security guarantees”, it added.

Ahead of the talks he hosted at Downing Street, Starmer said there needed to be “hard-edged security guarantees” in a peace deal for Ukraine.

Merz stated he was “sceptical” about some of the details of the potential plan coming from the US side. “But we have to talk about it. That’s why we are here,” he added.

Following the meeting, France said work would be “intensified” to provide security guarantees for Ukraine.

There is nervousness in Kyiv and across Europe that the US could end its support of Ukraine over frustration with the slow progress of negotiations. “We can’t manage without Americans, we can’t manage without Europe and that is why we need to make some important decisions,” Zelensky said in London.

Although the White House has been pushing Kyiv and Moscow to swiftly agree to a multi-point plan to end the war, there has been little sign of a breakthrough.

A five-hour meeting between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow last week failed to yield tangible results.

Those talks were followed by three days of discussions between Zelensky’s chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov and his US counterparts in Miami, which resulted in vague but positive statements of “progress” from both sides.

However, on Sunday, Trump accused Zelensky of not having read the draft of the revised deal.

“I’m a little disappointed that President Zelensky hasn’t yet read the proposal,” he said, while insisting Russia’s Vladimir Putin was “fine with it”.

Almost simultaneously, Zelensky stated that he expected to be briefed on the negotiations by Umerov either in London or Brussels on Monday. “Some issues can only be discussed in person,” he said.

The talks in London were the latest attempt by Ukraine’s European allies to carve out a role in the US-led efforts to end the war, which they fear will undercut the long-term interests of the continent in favour of a quick resolution.

Despite significant economic pressure and sustained battlefield losses, the Kremlin has shown little sign that it is willing to compromise on its key demands, including ruling out any future path to Ukraine joining the NATO military alliance.

Last week, Putin also restated his willingness to continue fighting until his forces take full control of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, 85% of which is currently occupied by the Russian army.

As talks in the US and Europe continue, so does the war.

Between Sunday and Monday, a total of 10 people were killed, and 47 were injured as Russian forces attacked nine regions using drones, glide bombs and missiles.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Since then, thousands of civilians and soldiers have been killed or injured, with Ukraine’s cities continuing to come under fire on a near-nightly basis.

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