Category: Middle East

MIL-Evening Report: Time for NZ media to ditch the propaganda and stand against genocide

COMMENTARY: By Saige England in Christchurch

“RNZ is failing in its duty to inform the public of an entirely preventable humanitarian catastrophe.”

Tautoko to Jeremy Rose, Ramon Das and Eugene Doyle for this critique of a review of RNZ’s coverage of a genocide.

Sadly, this highlights RNZ’s failure to report the genocide from the perspective of the very real victims — more journalists killed in Gaza than the whole of World War Two, aid workers murdered and buried, 17,000 children, including babies, who will never ever grow.

I respect so many RNZ journalists and have always supported this important national broadcaster but it is time for it to pull up its pants, ditch the propaganda and report from the field of truth.

I carry my Jewish ancestors in standing against genocide and calling for reports that show the truth of the travesty.

For reporting on protests I have been pepper sprayed by thugged-up police donning US-style gloves and glasses (illegally carrying pepper spray and tasers).

I was banned from my own town hall when I tried — with my E Tu press card — to attend the deputy leader Winston Peters’ media conference.

This government does not want the truth reported, it seems.

I have reported from the fields of invasion and conflict. I’ve taught journalism and communications. Good journalists remember journalism ethics. Reports from the point of view of the oppressor support the oppressor.

Humanitarianism means not reporting from the perspective of a mercenary army — an army that has been enforcing apartheid for decades, and which is invoking a policy of extermination for expansion.

Please read this media review and think of how you would feel if someone demanded that you leave your home. Palestinians have faced oppression and apartheid and “unhoming” for decades.

Think of the intolerable weight of grief you would carry if a sniper put a bullet between the eyes of a child you love and know.

Report on the victims. And stop subscribing to propaganda.

Saige England is a journalist and author, and a member of the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA). She is a frequent contributor to Asia Pacific Report. This was first published as a social media post.

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

May 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s vision for Air Force One will turn it from the ‘Flying White House’ to a ‘palace in the sky’

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Janet Bednarek, Professor of History, University of Dayton

Former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy helped design Air Force One’s color scheme, which has been used since her husband’s presidency. Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images

Since President Donald Trump excitedly announced that he would be accepting a US$400 million plane from the Qatari government to serve as the next Air Force One, even members of his own party have expressed alarm.

There’s the price tag of refurbishing the plane with top-secret systems – upward of $1 billion, according to some estimates. Then there are the conflicts of interest from accepting such a large present from a foreign nation – what some say would be the most valuable gift ever given to the U.S.

But it would also mark a striking departure from tradition.

While they’re often variants of commercial planes, presidential planes have almost always been U.S. military aircraft, flown and maintained by the Air Force.

The first White Houses in the sky

I’m an aviation historian who once worked in the United States Air Force’s history program for three years, so I’m well-acquainted with the history of presidential aircraft.

Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first president to fly while in office. In January 1943, he boarded the Navy-owned, civilian-operated Boeing Dixie Clipper – a sea plane – for a trip to Casablanca to meet with Allied leaders.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt made the first presidential flight on a Dixie Clipper, a sea plane built by Boeing.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images

The security measures needed to safely transport the president – especially during wartime – spurred the creation of the first custom-built aircraft for presidential use, a heavily modified VC-54 Skymaster. Though officially named “The Flying White House,” the new presidential aircraft became better known by its nickname, the “Sacred Cow.”

President Harry Truman used the Sacred Cow as his presidential aircraft through much of his first term in office.

In late 1947, the U.S. Air Force ordered a second custom-built presidential aircraft, a modified DC-6, which Truman named the Independence.

While in office, Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry Truman flew on a modified Douglas C-54, nicknamed the Sacred Cow.
Museum of Flight/Corbis via Getty Images

During Dwight D. Eisenhower’s two terms, the president flew on two different planes operated by the Air Force: the Columbine II, which was a customized, military version of Lockheed’s commercial airliner the Constellation, and the Columbine III, which was a Super Constellation.

Embracing the jet age

In the 1960s, the use of jet engine technology in U.S. commercial aircraft revolutionized air travel, allowing planes to fly higher, farther and faster. Jet travel became associated with the glamorous and the elegant lifestyles of the “jet set” crowd.

So it’s fitting that President John F. Kennedy – who was sometimes called the “the first celebrity president” – was the first White House occupant to fly in a jet, the Boeing 707.

Kennedy’s aircraft was also the first painted in the distinctive light blue-and-white scheme that’s still used today. First lady Jacqueline Kennedy developed it with the help of industrial designer Raymond Loewy.

It would go on to serve eight presidents before leaving the presidential fleet in 1990, when Boeing delivered the first of two modified Boeing 747s.

These are the aircraft that continue to serve as the president’s primary plane. Boeing signed a contract to provide two new aircraft in 2017, during Trump’s last term. In 2020, the company decided to refurbish two existing aircraft that were originally built for another customer.

The refurbishment has been more cumbersome and expensive than building a new aircraft from scratch. But it’s the only option because Boeing closed its 747 assembly line in late 2022.

A nickname sticks

On a trip to Florida, the crew of Columbine II first used “Air Force One” as the plane’s call sign to clearly distinguish the plane from other air traffic.

While the public has associated the name Air Force One with the modified Boeing 707s and 747s and their distinctive colors, any plane with the president aboard will carry that call sign.

They include several smaller aircraft, also operated by the Air Force, such as the North American T-39 Sabreliner used to transport Lyndon B. Johnson to his ranch in Texas and the Lockheed VC-140B JetStars, the fleet of backup planes used by several presidents, which Johnson jokingly called “Air Force One Half.”

A cultural and political symbol

Air Force One has long served as a symbol of the power and prestige of the presidency.

It became an indelible part of U.S. history in November 1963, when Johnson took his oath of office from Air Force One’s cabin while Kennedy’s body lay in rest in the back of the aircraft.

Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson is sworn in as president aboard Air Force One following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Air Force One carried President Richard M. Nixon to China and the Soviet Union for historic diplomatic missions. But it also famously flew him from Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland to his home state, California, after he resigned from office. On that day, the plane took off as Air Force One. But it landed as SAM 27000, the plane’s call sign used when the president wasn’t on board.

Trump has been compared to Nixon in more ways than one.

And Trump’s complaint that Arab leaders have bigger and more impressive airplanes than the current Air Force One is reminiscent of Nixon’s own concerns of being outclassed on the world stage.

The Nixon family boards Air Force One to fly to California on Aug. 9, 1974, following President Richard Nixon’s resignation.
Wally McNamee/Corbis via Getty Images

When president, Nixon strongly advocated for American supersonic transport – a 270-passenger plane designed to be faster than the speed of sound – that he hoped could be modified to serve as a new Air Force One. He feared the failure to develop an SST would relegate the U.S. to second-tier status, as other world leaders – particularly those from England, France and the USSR – traversed the globe in sleeker, better performing aircraft.

Trump’s concerns about Air Force One seem less focused on safety and security and more on size and opulence. His longing for a “palace in the sky” is befitting for a president drawn to soaring skyscrapers, lavish parades and gold ornamentation.

Janet Bednarek does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Trump’s vision for Air Force One will turn it from the ‘Flying White House’ to a ‘palace in the sky’ – https://theconversation.com/trumps-vision-for-air-force-one-will-turn-it-from-the-flying-white-house-to-a-palace-in-the-sky-256745

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China-SCO E-Commerce Business Meeting Held in Qingdao

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, May 16 (Xinhua) — The China-SCO E-Commerce Business Meeting was held in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province, on Thursday, the Gongren Ribao (Workers’ Daily) newspaper reported.

The event, held at the China-SCO Regional Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Zone, attracted representatives from 40 e-commerce enterprises from Iran, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan and Belarus. Domestic e-commerce giants JD, Alibaba and 120 other companies also took part. The participants discussed issues related to agricultural products, manufacturing industry and digital platforms.

E-commerce is considered one of the most promising areas of trade and economic cooperation between the SCO states. The purpose of the business meeting is to promote the establishment of multi-level, large-scale and institutionalized cooperation relations between enterprises of China and other countries of the said organization in the field of cross-border e-commerce.

According to data released during the business meeting, by the end of 2024, the volume of online retail sales in the SCO member states reached USD 3.2 trillion. Its share in the world exceeded 50%.

In particular, imports to China from other SCO member states through cross-border e-commerce last year amounted to US$53 million, up 34 percent year-on-year.

The event was organized by the China International E-Commerce Center and the Shandong Provincial Commerce Department, with the support of the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and the SCO Secretariat. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: US, Ukrainian and Turkish delegations meet in Istanbul ahead of Russia-Ukraine peace talks

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

ISTANBUL, May 16 (Xinhua) — Delegations from the United States, Ukraine and Turkey held their first trilateral meeting at the Dolmabahce Presidential Office here on Friday ahead of the Russia-Ukraine peace talks.

The American delegation included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ambassador to Turkey Thomas Barrack and Special Representative for Ukraine Keith Kellogg.

The Ukrainian side was represented by the head of the presidential office Andriy Yermak, Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov and Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha.

The meeting was held behind closed doors. A published photo shows Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan chairing the meeting, accompanied by the head of the National Intelligence Organization, Ibrahim Kalin.

Following this meeting, negotiations will be held between delegations of the Russian Federation, Ukraine and Turkey. The Russian delegation will be headed by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky.

Ukrainian and Russian officials will speak directly for the first time since a meeting in Istanbul in March 2022 that ended without a ceasefire agreement. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 17, 2025
UN peacekeepers attacked by civilians in Lebanon, no casualties reported

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

A large group of civilians wielding metal rods and axes attacked a patrol of U.N. troops in southern Lebanon on Friday, causing damage to U.N. vehicles but no injuries, a United Nations peacekeeping force said.

The U.N. troops used non-lethal force to protect themselves and those present, according to the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), adding the patrol had been on a routine operation between the villages of Jmayjmeh and Khirbat Silim.

The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) were notified and arrived shortly after the incident, escorting the patrol back to base.

UNIFIL said the patrol had been pre-planned and coordinated with the LAF.

The U.N. peacekeeping mission stressed that its mandate, under U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, guarantees freedom of movement in its area of operations with or without LAF accompaniment.

On Wednesday, UNIFIL said that direct fire from the Israeli army had hit the perimeter of one of its peacekeeping positions in south Lebanon. UNIFIL said the incident on Tuesday was the first of its kind since Israel and Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire last November.

(Reuters)

May 17, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Acute food insecurity and malnutrition rose for sixth consecutive year in world’s most fragile regions
Source: World Food Programme

In 2024, over 295 million people across 53 countries and territories faced acute hunger—an increase of almost 14 million people compared to 2023— while the number of people facing catastrophic levels of hunger reached a record high

Geneva/New York/Rome/Washington – Acute food insecurity and child malnutrition rose for the sixth consecutive year in 2024, pushing millions of people to the brink, in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions, according to the Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC), released today.

The report shows conflict, economic shocks, climate extremes, and forced displacement continued to drive food insecurity and malnutrition around the world, with catastrophic impacts on many already fragile regions.

In 2024, more than 295 million people across 53 countries and territories experienced acute levels of hunger– an increase of 13.7 million from 2023. Of great concern is the worsening prevalence of acute food insecurity, which now stands at 22.6 percent of the population assessed. This marks the fifth consecutive year in which this figure has remained above 20 percent.

The number of people facing catastrophic hunger (IPC/CH Phase 5) more than doubled over the same period to reach 1.9 million – the highest on record since the GRFC began tracking in 2016.

Malnutrition, particularly among children, reached extremely high levels, including in the Gaza Strip, Mali, Sudan, and Yemen. Nearly 38 million children under five were acutely malnourished across 26 nutrition crises.

The report also highlights a sharp increase in hunger driven by forced displacement, with nearly 95 million forcibly displaced people—including internally displaced persons (IDPs), asylum seekers and refugees—living in countries facing food crises such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Colombia, Sudan, and Syria, out of a global total of 128 million forcibly displaced people.

“This Global Report on Food Crises is another unflinching indictment of a world dangerously off course,”said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. “Long-standing crises are now being compounded by another, more recent one: the dramatic reduction in lifesaving humanitarian funding to respond to these needs. This is more than a failure of systems – it is a failure of humanity. Hunger in the 21st century is indefensible. We cannot respond to empty stomachs with empty hands and turned backs.”

Key drivers of acute food insecurity and malnutrition:
- Conflict remained the top driver of acute food insecurity, affecting around 140 million people in 20 countries and territories. Famine has been confirmed in Sudan, while other hotspots with people experiencing Catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity include the Gaza Strip, South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali.
- Economic shocks including inflation and currency devaluation, drove hunger in 15 countries affecting 59.4 million people – still nearly double pre-COVID 19 levels despite a modest decline from 2023. Some of the largest and most protracted food crises were primarily driven by economic shocks, including in Afghanistan, South Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, and Yemen.
- Weather extremes particularly El Niño-induced droughts and floods, pushed 18 countries into food crises affecting over 96 million people, with significant impacts in Southern Africa, Southern Asia and the Horn of Africa.
According to the GRFC outlook, hunger shocks will likely persist into 2025, as the Global Network anticipates the most significant reduction in humanitarian funding for food and nutrition crises in the report’s history.

Call for bold reset to break cycle of food crises

Acute food insecurity and malnutrition have increased to record levels, yet global funding is experiencing its fastest decline in years, and political momentum is weakening.

Breaking the cycle of rising hunger and malnutrition requires a bold reset – one that prioritizes evidence-driven and impact-focused action. This means pooling resources, scaling what works, and putting the needs and voices of affected communities at the heart of every response.

Beyond emergency aid, the Global Network Against Food Crises recommends investing in local food systems and integrated nutrition services to address long-term vulnerabilities and build resilience to shocks – especially in crisis-prone regions where 70 percent of rural households rely on agriculture for sustenance and livelihood.

# # #

Leadership quotes:

Hadja Lahbib, EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management:

“This year’s Global Report on Food Crises paints yet another stark and unacceptable picture of rising hunger. This is not merely a call to action — it is a moral imperative. At a time when funding cuts are straining the humanitarian system, we reaffirm our commitment to fight global hunger. We will not abandon the most vulnerable, especially in fragile and conflict-affected countries. We will continue to champion and defend International Humanitarian Law. Today’s challenges are greater than ever — but so is our solidarity. Now is the time to act with unity and resolve, and to prove that even in the hardest times, humanity can and will rise to the challenge.”

QU Dongyu, Director-General, FAO: “As we launch the 2025 Global Report on Food Crises, we are cognizant that acute food insecurity is not just a crisis – it is a constant reality for millions of people, most of whom live in rural areas. The path forward is clear: investment in emergency agriculture is critical, not just as a response, but as the most cost-effective solution to deliver significant long-lasting impact.”

Alvaro Lario, President, IFAD: “The report makes clear that humanitarian responses must go hand-in hand with investments in rural development and resilience building to create long-term stability that lasts beyond emergency interventions. Rural communities – especially smallholder farmers – are central to food security, resilience, and growth. This is even more true in fragile settings.”

Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner for Operations, UNHCR: “People who have been displaced show remarkable strength, but resilience alone can’t end hunger. As food insecurity worsens and humanitarian crises become more prolonged, we need to shift from emergency aid to sustainable responses. That means creating real opportunities—access to land, livelihoods, markets and services—so people can feed themselves and their families, not just today, but well into the future.”

Catherine Russell, Executive Director, UNICEF: “In a world of plenty, there is no excuse for children to go hungry or die of malnutrition. Hunger gnaws at the stomach of a child. It gnaws, too, at their dignity, their sense of safety, and their future. How can we continue to stand by when there is more than enough food to feed every hungry child in the world? How can we ignore what is happening in front of our eyes? Millions of children’s lives hang in the balance as funding is slashed to critical nutrition services.”

Axel van Trotsenburg, Senior Managing Director for Development Policy and Partnerships, World Bank: “The global hunger crisis threatens not just lives, but the stability and potential of entire societies. What is needed now is collective action so we can build a future free of hunger.”

Cindy McCain, Executive Director, WFP: “Like every other humanitarian organization, WFP is facing deep budget shortfalls which have forced drastic cuts to our food assistance programs. Millions of hungry people have lost, or will soon lose, the critical lifeline we provide. We have tried and tested solutions to hunger and food insecurity. But we need the support of our donors and partners to implement them.”

Note to Editor

Download the GFRC here

Broadcast quality B-Roll here

The Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) is published annually by the Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC) with analysis from the Food Security Information Network (FSIN).

About the GNAFC

The Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC) is an international alliance of the United Nations, the European Union, governmental and non-governmental agencies working together to address food crises. a unique platform of key operational agencies, international financial institutions, member states and organisations jointly seeking to reduce and end hunger with evidence-based actions proven to deliver impact.

For more information please contact:

European Union

Eva Hrncirova

Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations

eva.hrncirova@ec.europa.eu

FAO

Irina Utkina

News and Media

irina.utkina@fao.org

IFAD

Caroline Chaumont

c.chaumont@ifad.org

UNHCR

William Spindler

Senior Communications Officer

spindler@unhcr.org

UNICEF

Nadia Samie-Jacobs

Communication Specialist (Media) 

nsamie@unicef.org

Tel: +1 845 760 2615

World Bank

Nicolas Douillet

Communications Lead, Food & Agriculture

ndouillet@worldbankgroup.org

Tel: +1 202 378 7468

WFP

Machrine Birungi

Media Relations Specialist

machrine.birungi@wfp.org

MIL OSI United Nations News –
May 17, 2025
EU readying new sanctions to increase pressure on Russia, von der Leyen says

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The European Union is working on a new package of sanctions to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday as leaders from across Europe met in Tirana.

The EU, however, has already adopted 17 sanction packages – the latest one this week – and diplomats say it is increasingly difficult to get the necessary unanimity among the bloc’s 27 members to pass new measures.

“He does not want peace, so we have to increase the pressure, and this is why we are working on a new package of sanctions,” von der Leyen said, referring to Putin, before the European Political Community summit in Albania.

“This package will include for instance sanctions on Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2. It will include working on listing more vessels of the Russian shadow fleet and also lowering the oil price cap, and also more sanctions on the financial sector in Russia.”

Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2, each consisting of two pipes, were built by Russia’s state-controlled Gazprom to pump natural gas to Germany under the Baltic Sea. They were ruptured by a series of blasts in 2022.

“Massive” sanctions European leaders have threatened over the past days would need U.S. support to succeed, officials and diplomats have said.

Meanwhile, Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were in Istanbul on Friday for what was billed as their first direct peace talks in more than three years, under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to end Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two.

Putin on Sunday proposed direct talks with Ukraine in Turkey, but has spurned a challenge from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to meet him in person, and instead has sent a team of mid-ranking officials to the talks.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Putin “made a mistake by sending a low-level delegation”.

“What we saw yesterday and overnight is yet more evidence that Putin is not serious about peace,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said as he arrived at the Tirana summit.

“He’s been dragging his heels, and I think it’s really important therefore, that we have absolute unity with our allies. We’ll be working on that again today to be clear that there must be a ceasefire, but also to be clear that should there not be a ceasefire, then we will act together in relation to sanctions.”

(Reuters)

May 16, 2025

MIL-OSI: Codere Online Reports Financial Results for the First Quarter 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Total revenue was €54.3 mm in Q1 2025, while net gaming revenue¹ was €57.0 mm in the period, 8% above Q1 2024 (17% in constant currency terms).
Mexico revenue was €27.6 mm in Q1 2025, while net gaming revenue was €30.5 mm in the period, 15% above Q1 2024 (34% in constant currency terms).
Net loss was €0.7 mm in Q1 2025 versus a net income of €3.4 mm in Q1 2024.
Total cash position of €41.8 mm as of March 31, 2025.
Reiterating 2025 net gaming revenue outlook of €220-230 million and Adj. EBITDA² outlook of €10-15 million.
Repurchased $0.5 million of the Company’s shares under the Company’s $5.0 million share buyback plan through May 15, 2025.

Madrid, Spain and Tel Aviv, Israel, May 16, 2025 – (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) Codere Online (Nasdaq: CDRO / CDROW, the “Company”), a leading online gaming operator in Spain and Latin America, has released its preliminary unaudited³ financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

Below are the main financial and operating metrics of the period.

	Quarter ended March 31
	2024	2025	Chg. %

Net Gaming Revenue (EUR mm)¹
Spain	22.3	21.9	(2%)
Mexico	26.6	30.5	15%
Other	4.1	4.5	10%
Total	53.0	57.0	8%

Avg. Monthly Active Players (000s)⁴
Spain	50.0	52.0	4%
Mexico	62.5	82.0	31%
Other	30.6	27.2	(11%)
Total	143.2	161.3	13%

Aviv Sher, CEO of Codere Online, stated, “We are off to a good start in 2025, with net gaming revenue reaching €57.0 million in the first quarter, an 8% increase compared to the same period last year. In Mexico, net gaming revenue grew 15% to €30.5 million, despite the 16% devaluation of the Mexican peso. Meanwhile, net gaming revenue in Spain was slightly below last year’s at €21.9 million.”

Oscar Iglesias, CFO of Codere Online, commented, “We are very pleased with our performance in Mexico and the underlying trends in local currency. Also, our portfolio of active customers grew by an impressive 31% versus the prior year quarter which is quite encouraging”.

Mr. Iglesias added, “Based on these results, we believe that we are on track to meet our net gaming revenue outlook of €220-230 million and Adj. EBITDA outlook of €10-15 million that we provided to investors earlier this year.”

Recent Events

Compliance with Nasdaq Listing Requirements

On May 1, 2025, the Company filed its 2023 annual report (ahead of the May 12^th deadline) and on May 15^th, Nasdaq informed the Company that it had regained compliance with applicable listing requirements.
The Company is actively working to complete the audit of its 2024 financial accounts and expects to file the 2024 annual report by the end of this month. However, as we did not file by May 15^th (i.e. within the 15-day grace period provided for), we expect that a delisting notice from Nasdaq is forthcoming.
Upon receipt of said delisting notice, the Company will promptly request a hearing with the Nasdaq Hearings Panel and seek a stay of any trading suspension; however, the Company expects to file the 2024 annual report and regain compliance with Nasdaq requirements ahead of any hearing.

Repurchases under the Share Buyback Plan

At a general meeting held on March 3, 2025, Codere Online shareholders authorized the repurchase of up to 1 million of the Company’s ordinary shares over a one-year period (for a total investment of up to $5.0 million, as approved by the Company’s Board of Directors).
The Company repurchased 68,384 shares at an average price of $6.63 under the authorized share buyback plan through May 15, 2025.

Conference Call Information

Codere Online’s management will host a conference call to discuss the results and provide a business update at 8:30 am US Eastern Time today, May 16, 2025. Dial-in details as well as the audio webcast and presentation will be accessible on Codere Online’s website at www.codereonline.com. A recording of the webcast will also be available following the conference call.

Reconciliation of Revenue (IFRS) to Net Gaming Revenue (non-IFRS)

	Quarter ended March 31
Figures in EUR mm	2024	2025	Chg. %

Total

Revenue	50.4	54.3	4%
(+) Accounting Adjustments⁵	2.6	2.6	69%
Net Gaming Revenue	53.0	57.0	8%

Spain

Revenue	22.3	21.9	(2%)
(+) Accounting Adjustments⁵	–	–	n.m.
Net Gaming Revenue	22.3	21.9	(2%)

Mexico

Revenue	23.8	27.6	16%
(+) Accounting Adjustments⁵	2.7	2.9	7%
Net Gaming Revenue	26.6	30.5	15%

Other

Revenue	4.3	4.8	(30%)
(+) Accounting Adjustments⁵	(0.2)	(0.3)	n.m.
Net Gaming Revenue	4.1	4.5	10%

Reconciliation of Net Income (IFRS) to Adj. EBITDA (non-IFRS)⁶

	Quarter ended March 31
Figures in EUR mm	2024	2025	Chg.

Net Income (Loss)	3.4	(0.7)	(3.4)
(+/-) Provision for Corporate Income Tax	0.5	0.2	(0.1)
(+/-) Interest Expense / (Income)	(4.8)	1.1	5.8
(+/-) Var. In Fair Value of Public Warrants	1.9	0.5	(1.4)
(+) D&A	0.0	0.2	0.2
EBITDA	0.9	1.3	1.1
(+) Employee LTIP Expense	0.6	0.5	(0.6)
(+/-) Other Accounting Adjustments	0.2	0.0	(0.4)
Adj. EBITDA (Pre Non-Recurring Items)	1.7	1.8	0.1
(+) Non-Recurring Items	0.0	0.0	0.0
Adj. EBITDA	1.7	1.8	0.1

About Codere Online

Codere Online refers, collectively, to Codere Online Luxembourg, S.A. and its subsidiaries. Codere Online, launched in 2014 as part of the renowned casino operator Codere Group, offers online sports betting and online casino through its state-of-the art website and mobile applications. Codere Online currently operates in its core markets of Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Panama and Argentina; this online business is complemented by Codere Group’s physical presence in Spain and throughout Latin America, forming the foundation of the leading omnichannel gaming and casino presence.

About Codere Group
Codere Group is a multinational group devoted to entertainment and leisure. It is a leading player in the private gaming industry, with four decades of experience and with presence in seven countries in Europe (Spain and Italy) and Latin America (Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, and Uruguay).

Note on Rounding. Due to decimal rounding, numbers presented throughout this report may not add up precisely to the totals and subtotals provided, and percentages may not precisely reflect the absolute figures.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this document may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Codere Online Luxembourg, S.A. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Codere Online”) or Codere Online’s or its management team’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements in this document may include, for example, statements about Codere Online’s financial performance and, in particular, the potential evolution and distribution of its net gaming revenue; any prospective and illustrative financial information; and changes in Codere Online’s strategy, future operations and target addressable market, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects and plans as well as he Company’s expectations about the timing of completion and filing of the Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 (the “2024 Annual Report”), and statements related to the Company’s plan, timing and actions taken to regain compliance with the Listing Rule 5250(c)(1).

These forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this document and current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and involve a number of judgments, risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Codere Online’s or its management team’s views as of any subsequent date, and Codere Online does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

As a result of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, Codere Online’s actual results or performance may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that Codere Online does not presently know or that Codere Online currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include (i) changes in applicable laws or regulations, including online gaming, privacy, data use and data protection rules and regulations as well as consumers’ heightened expectations regarding proper safeguarding of their personal information, (ii) the impacts and ongoing uncertainties created by regulatory restrictions, changes in perceptions of the gaming industry, changes in policies and increased competition, and geopolitical events such as war, (iii) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations and identify and realize additional opportunities, (iv) the risk of downturns and the possibility of rapid change in the highly competitive industry in which Codere Online operates, (v) the risk that Codere Online and its current and future collaborators are unable to successfully develop and commercialize Codere Online’s services, or experience significant delays in doing so, (vi) the risk that Codere Online may never achieve or sustain profitability, (vii) the risk that Codere Online will need to raise additional capital to execute its business plan, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all, (viii) the risk that Codere Online experiences difficulties in managing its growth and expanding operations, (ix) the risk that third-party providers, including the Codere Group, are not able to fully and timely meet their obligations, (x) the risk that the online gaming operations will not provide the expected benefits due to, among other things, the inability to obtain or maintain online gaming licenses in the anticipated time frame or at all, (xi) the risk that Codere Online is unable to secure or protect its intellectual property, (xii) the risk that Codere Online’s securities may be delisted from Nasdaq and (xiii) the possibility that Codere Online may be adversely affected by other political, economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Additional information concerning certain of these and other risk factors is contained in Codere Online’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning Codere Online or other matters and attributable to Codere Online or any person acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above.

Financial Information and Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Codere Online’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”), which can differ in certain significant respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

This document includes certain financial measures not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP or IFRS (“non-GAAP”), such as, without limitation, net gaming revenue, Adjusted EBITDA and constant currency information. These non-GAAP financial measures are not measures of financial performance in accordance with U.S. GAAP or IFRS and may exclude items that are significant in understanding and assessing Codere Online’s financial results. Therefore, these measures should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to revenue, net income, cash flows from operations or other measures of profitability, liquidity or performance under U.S. GAAP or IFRS. You should be aware that Codere Online’s presentation of these measures may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures used by other companies. In addition, the audit of Codere Online’s financial statements in accordance with PCAOB standards, may impact how Codere Online currently calculates its non-GAAP financial measures, and we cannot assure you that there would not be differences, and such differences could be material.

Codere Online believes that the use of these non-GAAP financial measures provides an additional tool for investors to use in evaluating ongoing operating results and trends in comparing Codere Online’s financial measures with other similar companies, many of which present similar non-GAAP financial measures to investors. These non-GAAP financial measures are subject to inherent limitations as they reflect the exercise of judgments by management about which expense and income are excluded or included in determining these non-GAAP financial measures. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable measure under IFRS are included herein.

This document may include certain projections of non-GAAP financial measures. Codere Online is unable to quantify certain amounts that would be required to be included in the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP or IFRS financial measures without unreasonable effort, due to the inherent difficulty and variability of accurately forecasting the occurrence and financial impact of the various adjusting items necessary for such comparable measures or such reconciliation that have not yet occurred, are out of our control, or cannot be reasonably predicted, ascertained or assessed, which could have a material impact on its future IFRS financial results. Consequently, no disclosure of estimated comparable U.S. GAAP or IFRS measures is included and no reconciliation of the forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures is included.

Use of Projections
This document contains financial forecasts with respect to Codere Online’s business and projected financial results, including net gaming revenue and adjusted EBITDA. Codere Online’s independent auditors have not audited, reviewed, compiled or performed any procedures with respect to the projections for the purpose of their inclusion in this document, and accordingly, they did not express an opinion or provide any other form of assurance with respect thereto for the purpose of this document. These projections should not be relied upon as being necessarily indicative of future results. The assumptions and estimates underlying the prospective financial information are inherently uncertain and are subject to a wide variety of significant business, economic and competitive risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the prospective financial information. See “Forward-Looking Statements” above. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the prospective results are indicative of the future performance of Codere Online or that actual results will not differ materially from those presented in the prospective financial information. Inclusion of the prospective financial information in this document should not be regarded as a representation by any person that the results contained in the prospective financial information will be achieved.

For further information on the limitations and assumptions underlying these projections, please refer to Codere Online’s filings with the SEC.

Preliminary Information
This document contains figures, financial metrics, statistics and other information that is preliminary and subject to change (the “Preliminary Information”). The Preliminary Information has not been audited, reviewed, or compiled by any independent registered public accounting firm. This Preliminary Information is subject to ongoing review including, where applicable, by Codere Online’s independent auditors. Accordingly, no independent registered public accounting firm has expressed an opinion or any other form of assurance with respect to the Preliminary Information. During the course of finalizing such Preliminary Information, adjustments to such Preliminary Information presented herein may be identified, which may be material. Codere Online undertakes no obligation to update or revise the Preliminary Information set forth in this document as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law. The Preliminary Information may differ from actual results. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance upon this Preliminary Information. The Preliminary Information is not a comprehensive statement of financial results, and should not be viewed as a substitute for full financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. In addition, the Preliminary Information is not necessarily indicative of the results to be achieved in any future period.

No Offer or Solicitation
This document does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor will there be any sale of securities in any states or jurisdictions in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities will be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom.

Trademarks
This document may contain trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights of Codere Online or other companies, which are the property of their respective owners. Solely for convenience, some of the trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights referred to in this document may be listed without the TM, SM, © or ® symbols, but Codere Online will assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, the rights of the applicable owners, if any, to these trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights.

Industry and Market Data
In this document, Codere Online relies on and refers to certain information and statistics obtained from publicly available information and third-party sources, which it believes to be reliable. Codere Online has not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of any such publicly-available and third-party information, does not make any representation as to the accuracy or completeness of such data and does not undertake any obligation to update such data after the date of this document. You are cautioned not to give undue weight to such industry and market data.

Contacts:

Investors and Media
Guillermo Lancha
Director, Investor Relations and Communications
Guillermo.Lancha@codere.com
(+34) 628.928.152

1 Net Gaming Revenue is a non-IFRS measure; please see reconciliation of Net Gaming Revenue to Revenue at the end of the report.

2 Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure; please see reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income at the end of the report. Net gaming revenue and Adjusted EBITDA outlooks are forward-looking non-IFRS measures; please see important disclaimers at the end of the report.
3 See “Preliminary Information” below.

4 Average Monthly Active Players include real money (i.e. exclude free bets) sports betting and casino actives.

5 Figures primarily reflect differences in recognition of revenue related to certain partner and affiliate agreements in place in Colombia, VAT impact from entry fees in Mexico and the impact from the application of inflation accounting (IAS 29) in Argentina.

6 Please refer to page 26 of our Q1 2025 Earnings Presentation for further details regarding this reconciliation.

The MIL Network –

May 16, 2025

IIFT sets up first overseas campus in Dubai, marking historic step in global expansion

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

In a major stride towards internationalising Indian higher education, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has announced the establishment of its first overseas campus in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The move marks a significant milestone in IIFT’s 62-year history and underscores India’s growing presence in the global education landscape.

The announcement was made by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Friday. The new campus has received the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Education, along with No Objection Certificates from the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, and the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal hailed the development as a reflection of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s vision of making India a global hub for education. “This truly reflects the spirit of NEP 2020, marking a new chapter in the internationalisation of Indian education and its growing role in shaping global thought leadership. It is also a testament to the strengthening India-UAE partnership,” he said.

Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal described the Dubai campus as a turning point in IIFT’s journey. “This represents India’s emergence as a provider of world-class education, especially in the field of international trade,” he noted, while applauding the institute’s continued focus on aligning academic and research efforts with national priorities.

Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Vice Chancellor of IIFT, expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders who supported the initiative. Reaffirming the institute’s commitment to excellence, he said, “We aim to transform IIFT into a world-class institution through our Dubai campus by excelling in education, training, and research in international trade.”

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Giant: John Lithgow’s masterful turn explores Roald Dahl’s antisemitism – and wider questions about children’s literature

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Kristina West, Lecturer in Children’s Literature, Royal Holloway University of London

Back in 2023, a bitter debate erupted over the editing of Roald Dahl’s children’s books. His publishers, Puffin Books, had worked with Dahl’s estate (now owned by Netflix) to remove references to violence, body size, mental health, gender and skin colour. Now, a new play about an incident in Dahl’s later life is focusing on another controversy.

Giant (written by Mark Rosenblatt) is playing at London’s Harold Pinter Theatre until August 2. It features a masterly performance by John Lithgow in the role of Dahl. The play tracks the fallout from his 1983 review of God Cried, a photographic book by Catherine Leroy and Tony Clifton about the Israeli army’s siege of west Beirut.

However, in Rosenblatt’s blend of fact and fiction, the very real controversy arose not from the review, but from an interview Dahl gave that many Jewish and non-Jewish readers objected to as antisemitism (others saw it as a justified critique of Israel’s actions during the Lebanon war). This is melded with an imaginary situation in which Jewish representatives from Dahl’s British and American publishers visit his home to calm the backlash.

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Rosenblatt explores the tensions in this response both as it related to Dahl and to conversations across the world on the recent and ongoing attacks in Palestine and Israel.

Perhaps reflecting the controversy over Dahl’s language in his children’s books, this play, too, is engaged with conversation, language and word choices. The words we use about others, how that language is interpreted and meaning is formed, and discussions about language are all at the centre of the story. As is the discourse between different forms, styles, and times of writing, and the tension between spoken and written language.

While Rosenblatt’s script is centred on Dahl’s comments on Israel and Jewish people, it also engages with his spoken misogyny. This includes his repeated insulting epithets for American publisher Jessica Stone (Aya Cash) and his hectoring of housekeeper Hallie (Tessa Bonham Jones). It is no coincidence that the play is set right before the release of The Witches (1983), now a centre of complaints about Dahl’s written misogyny.

The trailer for Giant.

And while the play begins with some genuinely comic moments, the night I saw it the audience audibly gasped during the scene in which Dahl told The New Statesman that “even a stinker like Hitler didn’t just pick on [the Jews] for no reasons”. It’s a quote taken directly from Dahl’s real interview with journalist Michael Coren in 1983.

In its engagement with the power of language and the potential effects of a political statement on the sales of Dahl’s books, the play returns viewers to the debate over cancel culture and the place of politics in and around children’s literature.

Today, such controversy centres on Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling and the impact of her position on transgender rights on her millions of child and adult fans. But such criticisms of children’s authors for being too political have been made for decades.

Cancel culture

Lithgow’s performance as Dahl adds another layer of complexity to the debate on age appropriateness and the validity of political comment. He centres his aged Dahl in a time of flux, unsettled and unwell, dealing with the renovation of his house. This is reflected in some clever staging in which the house as a place of sanctuary, work and rest has become a claustrophobic space in which people are on top of each other, nothing is where it belongs, and the only solace to be had is in a decent glass of wine.

He is also about to marry his long-term mistress, Felicity Crossland (Rachael Stirling), after divorcing his even longer-term wife. You can almost hear the creak of his knees as he moves around and feel the aches in his back as he stretches that gaunt frame.

Lithgow’s performance of age seems to explain some of Dahl’s crabby responses. As such, perhaps, the audience is tempted to ask questions that have been asked about “classic” literature before: is old age justification for prejudicial viewpoints? Is misogyny acceptable when someone was born in 1916? Is antisemitism excusable if someone is unwell?

While Rosenblatt and Lithgow may open the door to questions such as these, they close that door pretty firmly by the end of the play. The shock value of Dahl’s phone interview in which he exerts an agency belying his age and clearly demonstrates his antisemitism leaves the audience in little doubt as to the final message.

But with Dahl damned by his own antisemitism, what next? Is the play calling on cancel culture for Dahl? Is it claiming that his political views and language choices mean that we shouldn’t read The Witches to our children, in edited form or not?

Perhaps it leaves us rather back where we began: with questions over language, with debate, with more discussion on intent, and meaning, and appropriateness of language. We also need to question the rights of an individual – especially a celebrated children’s author – to express controversial views against the rights of an individual or group, especially when demonstrably abhorrent. And this conversation isn’t going to end any time soon.

Giant is at London’s Harold Pinter Theatre until August 2 2025.

Kristina West does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Giant: John Lithgow’s masterful turn explores Roald Dahl’s antisemitism – and wider questions about children’s literature – https://theconversation.com/giant-john-lithgows-masterful-turn-explores-roald-dahls-antisemitism-and-wider-questions-about-childrens-literature-256530

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Acute food insecurity and malnutrition rise for sixth consecutive year in world’s most fragile regions
Source: World Food Programme

In 2024, over 295 million people across 53 countries and territories faced acute hunger—an increase of almost 14 million people compared to 2023— while the number of people facing catastrophic levels of hunger reached a record high

Geneva/New York/Rome/Washington – Acute food insecurity and child malnutrition rose for the sixth consecutive year in 2024, pushing millions of people to the brink, in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions, according to the Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC), released today.

The report shows conflict, economic shocks, climate extremes, and forced displacement continued to drive food insecurity and malnutrition around the world, with catastrophic impacts on many already fragile regions.

In 2024, more than 295 million people across 53 countries and territories experienced acute levels of hunger– an increase of 13.7 million from 2023. Of great concern is the worsening prevalence of acute food insecurity, which now stands at 22.6 percent of the population assessed. This marks the fifth consecutive year in which this figure has remained above 20 percent.

The number of people facing catastrophic hunger (IPC/CH Phase 5) more than doubled over the same period to reach 1.9 million – the highest on record since the GRFC began tracking in 2016.

Malnutrition, particularly among children, reached extremely high levels, including in the Gaza Strip, Mali, Sudan, and Yemen. Nearly 38 million children under five were acutely malnourished across 26 nutrition crises.

The report also highlights a sharp increase in hunger driven by forced displacement, with nearly 95 million forcibly displaced people—including internally displaced persons (IDPs), asylum seekers and refugees—living in countries facing food crises such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Colombia, Sudan, and Syria, out of a global total of 128 million forcibly displaced people.

“This Global Report on Food Crises is another unflinching indictment of a world dangerously off course,”said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. “Long-standing crises are now being compounded by another, more recent one: the dramatic reduction in lifesaving humanitarian funding to respond to these needs. This is more than a failure of systems – it is a failure of humanity. Hunger in the 21st century is indefensible. We cannot respond to empty stomachs with empty hands and turned backs.”

Key drivers of acute food insecurity and malnutrition:
- Conflict remained the top driver of acute food insecurity, affecting around 140 million people in 20 countries and territories. Famine has been confirmed in Sudan, while other hotspots with people experiencing Catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity include the Gaza Strip, South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali.
- Economic shocks including inflation and currency devaluation, drove hunger in 15 countries affecting 59.4 million people – still nearly double pre-COVID 19 levels despite a modest decline from 2023. Some of the largest and most protracted food crises were primarily driven by economic shocks, including in Afghanistan, South Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, and Yemen.
- Weather extremes particularly El Niño-induced droughts and floods, pushed 18 countries into food crises affecting over 96 million people, with significant impacts in Southern Africa, Southern Asia and the Horn of Africa.
According to the GRFC outlook, hunger shocks will likely persist into 2025, as the Global Network anticipates the most significant reduction in humanitarian funding for food and nutrition crises in the report’s history.

Call for bold reset to break cycle of food crises

Acute food insecurity and malnutrition have increased to record levels, yet global funding is experiencing its fastest decline in years, and political momentum is weakening.

Breaking the cycle of rising hunger and malnutrition requires a bold reset – one that prioritizes evidence-driven and impact-focused action. This means pooling resources, scaling what works, and putting the needs and voices of affected communities at the heart of every response.

Beyond emergency aid, the Global Network Against Food Crises recommends investing in local food systems and integrated nutrition services to address long-term vulnerabilities and build resilience to shocks – especially in crisis-prone regions where 70 percent of rural households rely on agriculture for sustenance and livelihood.

# # #

Leadership quotes:

Hadja Lahbib, EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management:

“This year’s Global Report on Food Crises paints yet another stark and unacceptable picture of rising hunger. This is not merely a call to action — it is a moral imperative. At a time when funding cuts are straining the humanitarian system, we reaffirm our commitment to fight global hunger. We will not abandon the most vulnerable, especially in fragile and conflict-affected countries. We will continue to champion and defend International Humanitarian Law. Today’s challenges are greater than ever — but so is our solidarity. Now is the time to act with unity and resolve, and to prove that even in the hardest times, humanity can and will rise to the challenge.”

QU Dongyu, Director-General, FAO: “As we launch the 2025 Global Report on Food Crises, we are cognizant that acute food insecurity is not just a crisis – it is a constant reality for millions of people, most of whom live in rural areas. The path forward is clear: investment in emergency agriculture is critical, not just as a response, but as the most cost-effective solution to deliver significant long-lasting impact.”

Alvaro Lario, President, IFAD: “The report makes clear that humanitarian responses must go hand-in hand with investments in rural development and resilience building to create long-term stability that lasts beyond emergency interventions. Rural communities – especially smallholder farmers – are central to food security, resilience, and growth. This is even more true in fragile settings.”

Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner for Operations, UNHCR: “People who have been displaced show remarkable strength, but resilience alone can’t end hunger. As food insecurity worsens and humanitarian crises become more prolonged, we need to shift from emergency aid to sustainable responses. That means creating real opportunities—access to land, livelihoods, markets and services—so people can feed themselves and their families, not just today, but well into the future.”

Catherine Russell, Executive Director, UNICEF: “In a world of plenty, there is no excuse for children to go hungry or die of malnutrition. Hunger gnaws at the stomach of a child. It gnaws, too, at their dignity, their sense of safety, and their future. How can we continue to stand by when there is more than enough food to feed every hungry child in the world? How can we ignore what is happening in front of our eyes? Millions of children’s lives hang in the balance as funding is slashed to critical nutrition services.”

Axel van Trotsenburg, Senior Managing Director for Development Policy and Partnerships, World Bank: “The global hunger crisis threatens not just lives, but the stability and potential of entire societies. What is needed now is collective action so we can build a future free of hunger.”

Cindy McCain, Executive Director, WFP: “Like every other humanitarian organization, WFP is facing deep budget shortfalls which have forced drastic cuts to our food assistance programs. Millions of hungry people have lost, or will soon lose, the critical lifeline we provide. We have tried and tested solutions to hunger and food insecurity. But we need the support of our donors and partners to implement them.”

Note to Editor

Download the GFRC here

Broadcast quality B-Roll here

The Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) is published annually by the Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC) with analysis from the Food Security Information Network (FSIN).

About the GNAFC

The Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC) is an international alliance of the United Nations, the European Union, governmental and non-governmental agencies working together to address food crises. a unique platform of key operational agencies, international financial institutions, member states and organisations jointly seeking to reduce and end hunger with evidence-based actions proven to deliver impact.

For more information please contact:

European Union

Eva Hrncirova

Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations

eva.hrncirova@ec.europa.eu

FAO

Irina Utkina

News and Media

irina.utkina@fao.org

IFAD

Caroline Chaumont

c.chaumont@ifad.org

UNHCR

William Spindler

Senior Communications Officer

spindler@unhcr.org

UNICEF

Nadia Samie-Jacobs

Communication Specialist (Media) 

nsamie@unicef.org

Tel: +1 845 760 2615

World Bank

Nicolas Douillet

Communications Lead, Food & Agriculture

ndouillet@worldbankgroup.org

Tel: +1 202 378 7468

WFP

Machrine Birungi

Media Relations Specialist

machrine.birungi@wfp.org

MIL OSI United Nations News –
May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Global partnerships drive justice results, says Eurojust’s Annual Report 2024

Source: Eurojust

Over the past five years, Eurojust’s case workload has increased by more than 60%. In 2024 alone, the Agency handled nearly 13 000 cross-border crime cases. This reflects the unprecedented pace at which organised crime in Europe is evolving, as well as national authorities’ reliance on Eurojust to support complex international investigations.

Eurojust President, Michael Schmid, commented: With a consistently high number of cases in recent years, our need for close cooperation with prosecutors and judges – both within Europe and beyond – is greater than ever. Thanks to our expanded global partnerships in 2024, we can ensure that criminals are held accountable and citizens are kept safe.

To further strengthen the fight against organised crime, Eurojust launched the European Judicial Organised Crime Network (EJOCN) in September 2024. This expert hub goes beyond investigation-based collaboration and combats organised crime strategically. Even closer cooperation and direct dialogue between judicial authorities will help to resolve legal challenges and align judicial strategies when investigating and prosecuting organised crime.

The EJOCN’s first priority is combating drug-related organised crime connected to European ports – key transit points for cocaine and other narcotics destined for the EU. Drug trafficking has been identified as the leading criminal activity in Europe, involving 50% of all criminal networks. The supply of illicit drugs continues to rise, as does the associated violence, making drug trafficking one of the most dangerous and lucrative crimes in the EU.

Successfully tackling the rise in drug trafficking requires close cooperation with judicial authorities in Latin America, where most narcotics smuggled into Europe originate. In 2024, Eurojust took a significant step in enhancing ties with Latin American partners by signing six Working Arrangements with the Prosecution Services of Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama and Peru. These agreements will strengthen cooperation in key areas such as drug and arms trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering and cybercrime.

Over the past three years, the number of Eurojust supported joint investigation teams involving Latin American countries has steadily increased, with Brazil participating in the highest number. In 2024, Latin American countries participated in three times as many coordination meetings on organised crime and drug trafficking cases as in 2023.

In addition to its Latin American partnerships, Eurojust works with a broad range of third countries to ensure that national borders do not hinder the prosecution of crime or the delivery of justice. The Agency’s recently adopted Strategy on Cooperation with International Partners reinforces Eurojust’s role as a gateway for cross-border judicial cooperation within and beyond the EU.

In 2024, 1 022 newly opened cases handled by the Agency involved one or more third countries. Eurojust’s international cooperation continues to increase the number of registered cases at the Agency, with 378 new cases owned by third countries opened in 2024 alone. The United Kingdom, followed by Switzerland and Albania, were the non-EU countries involved in the most cases at Eurojust in 2024.

Third countries with the highest participation in Eurojust cases in 2024

During the year, international agreements on cooperation with Eurojust were signed with Armenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the United Arab Emirates joined as a new member of the Agency’s network of Contact Points. In March 2024, Eurojust welcomed its first Liaison Prosecutor for Iceland, strengthening cooperation with Icelandic judicial authorities. Enhanced collaboration with South Partner and Western Balkan countries was also achieved through the EuroMed Justice and Western Balkans Criminal Justice projects, both supported by Eurojust.

Eurojust’s expanded global network enabled the Agency to deliver impressive operational outcomes in 2024. It contributed to the arrest of more than 1 200 suspects and the seizure and freezing of criminal assets worth over EUR 1 billion. The Agency also contributed to the seizure of drugs worth almost EUR 20 billion.

Reflecting the growing scale of the challenge, the criminal investigations handled by Eurojust in 2024 involved more than three times as many victims and almost double the financial damages compared to 2023. Moreover, the Agency supported 25% more joint investigation teams than in the previous year.

The top three crime types handled by the Agency in 2024 continued to be swindling and fraud, drug trafficking and money laundering. Notably, the number of core international crime cases rose by 40%, while cybercrime cases increased by one-third and intellectual property crime cases by 20%.

Overview of Eurojust-referred cases by crime type in 2024

Eurojust continued to support national authorities through the organisation of 640 international coordination meetings and 32 coordination centres, as well as operational support for 361 joint investigation teams – over half of which were funded by the Agency. Eurojust also assisted with executing judicial cooperation tools such as European Arrest Warrants and European Investigation Orders, helping national authorities bring offenders to justice and deliver real results for victims and communities.

More information:

Eurojust Annual Report 2024:

Key visuals:

Key cases in 2024:

MIL Security OSI –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Syria: New government must prioritize justice and truth measures to prevent further abuse

Source: Amnesty International –

Syria’s new government must take immediate, concrete steps towards justice, truth and reparation that address the country’s devastating legacy of abuses and urgently undertake human rights-based reform to prevent further violations, said Amnesty International today.

Between 2011 and 2024, Amnesty International documented widespread crimes under international law, including war crimes and crimes against humanity and gross human rights violations, committed by President Bashar al-Assad’s government. The organization also documented serious crimes committed by government allies, including Russia, as well as by armed groups opposing the government and their ally Turkiye, and the Kurdish-led de facto authorities and their allies.

The new transitional government, led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa and formed on 29 March 2025, has a crucial opportunity to break with the past and ensure non-repetition of these atrocities. Amnesty International has today outlined the priority steps that the authorities should take to achieve this and to comply with Syria’s obligations under international law. On 14 April 2025, Amnesty International sent the recommendations to the Syrian authorities, requesting answers to a series of questions and updates on the authorities’ plans, but did not receive a response so far.

“To ensure a break with the past, the Syrian government must uphold the rights to truth, justice and reparation for all people in Syria. The authorities have publicly committed to taking justice demands seriously, and key to keeping this promise will be ensuring the meaningful participation of survivors, victims and Syrian civil society organizations throughout the process, as well as maximum transparency,” said Kristine Beckerle, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa.

To ensure a break with the past, the Syrian government must uphold the rights to truth, justice and reparation for all people in Syria

Kristine Beckerle, Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa

“The challenges facing Syria are immense, but ensuring accountability for crimes committed by all warring parties, providing reparation to victims and their families, many of whom are still suffering the pain of disappeared and missing relatives, implementing human rights-based reforms to Syria’s criminal justice and security sectors, and ensuring the families of the disappeared know the truth of what happened to their loved ones are foundational to building a new, more just Syria,”

“It is crucial for the authorities to rebuild trust between the people in Syria and the state. Delaying justice will only heighten the risk of further bloodshed such as the recent mass killing of Alawite civilians in the coastal areas of Syria. X It is essential that the authorities, without any delay, ensure that all those suspected of criminal responsibility for crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture and enforced disappearance are brought to justice in fair trials before ordinary civilian courts, in accordance with international law.”

For decades, the former government systematically arrested and disappeared activists and human rights defenders, oppressed local human rights organizations and denied international human rights organizations access to the country. The new authorities have pledged a new approach; it is crucial that they allow Syrian and international organizations to work without interference, consult with Syrian civil society, and grant unfettered access for local and international organizations.

The authorities are grappling with major economic challenges resulting from a decade-long conflict, compounded by international sanctions and the widespread destruction of infrastructure. The international community must support the Syrian people in their pursuit of truth, justice and reparation, and building a more just future after years of suffering.

While many countries continue to support critical justice efforts for Syria, others have added to its challenges. The United States haphazardly cut foreign funding to those providing crucial humanitarian aid and doing critical human rights work in Syria in early 2025. Since former government’s fall, Turkiye and Israel have also carried out air strikes, killing and wounding civilians and damaging civilian infrastructure.

Provide justice, truth and reparation

One of the most urgent issues in Syria today is justice for victims of mass enforced disappearances. After the fall of the Assad government on 8 December 2024, tens of thousands of families hoped their missing loved ones would be released. Instead, nearly none re-emerged; many seemingly vanished.

While the government announced a National High Commission for Missing Persons on 27 February 2025, representatives of family associations of the disappeared and missing told Amnesty International they had not been consulted on the formation of the body and how it would function and have seen no tangible progress five months after the Assad government’s collapse. The new government must immediately rectify this by ensuring full, meaningful inclusion of victims and their representatives in shaping the Commission’s mandate, operational framework, and oversight mechanisms.

Article 49 of the Constitutional Declaration, adopted on 13 March 2025, establishes a Transitional Justice Commission, tasked with adopting “victim-centred mechanisms…to determine accountability mechanisms, the right to know the truth, and justice for victims and survivors in addition to honouring martyrs”. Effective truth, justice and reparation processes must be based on nationwide consultations with Syrians, particularly survivors and victims.

The government must also create reparation programmes informed by survivors and victims’ families that deliver comprehensive remedies that acknowledge victims’ suffering and help rebuild lives. The Syrian government should also seek reparations from states such as Russia, Türkiye and the US, and other actors, including businesses, that are responsible for human rights violations.

Undertaking human rights-based reforms

For over a decade prior to the former government’s fall, Amnesty International documented systemic violations, including arbitrary arrest, torture, and enforced disappearances, committed by former law enforcement officers and intelligence services, and within the prison system. In addition, the organization has documented abduction, torture and summary killings by former non-state armed groups, some now integrated into the ministry of defence and ministry of interior.

As an immediate priority, and to prevent a repeat of violations and cycles of violence, Syrian authorities must ensure rigorous vetting of all government officials, military leaders, and other appointed figures suspected of criminal responsibility, including post-Assad crimes – such as the massacres of Alawite civilians on the coast. Amnesty International documented unlawful killings, including deliberate targeting of civilians from the Alawite minority, which must be investigated as war crimes, on Syria’s coast in March 2025. Syria’s new authorities have taken an important first step toward investigating the killings by establishing a dedicated fact-finding committee. How they proceed will serve as an important signal and a key precedent.

Reform should also involve repealing laws that are not compliant with international law and enacting legislation that safeguards the human rights of all people, including their rights to a fair trial, truth, justice and reparation; freedom from torture and disappearance, equality and non-discrimination, including in the context of the rights to housing and property. Any reform committee should be accessible, inclusive, and participatory

MIL OSI NGO –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Civilian Protection Amid Rising Numbers of Those Reported Missing in Conflict Zones | United Nations

Source: United Nations (Video News)

“The number of people affected by armed conflict, including those reported missing in this context has only continued to increase,” said Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific.

Briefing the Security Council today (May 15), Khaled Khiari said that in 2024 alone, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) registered 56,000 new cases of missing persons. “There is no comprehensive figure for those missing in conflict, but we know enough that the situation is dire,” he said.

Khiari welcomed the recent release of Edan Alexander, an American-Israeli national previously held hostage in Gaza, calling it “a source of hope.” He added, “I echo the Secretary-General’s words of profound relief that Mr. Alexander was able to return to his family and loved ones after this harrowing ordeal. However, many more remain missing. An estimated 58 Israeli hostages, 35 of them presumed dead, still remain unaccounted for in Gaza.”
He also voiced concern over the situation of Palestinians detained by Israeli authorities since October 2023, noting that many of them “remain unaccounted for.”

On Ukraine, Khiari reported that following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, large numbers of civilians in Russian-occupied territories have been detained, with some held incommunicado. “According to OHCHR, some of these cases may amount to enforced disappearances,” he said. “An unspecified number of Ukrainian civilians, including Ukrainian children, have also been reportedly transferred to the Russian Federation.”

Sung Eui Lee, Chief Director of the Korean War Abductees’ Family Union (KWAFU), said, “Family is one of the most fundamental values for human beings made to be together, and the abduction, a crime of enforced disappearance is a serious crime against humanity that produces ongoing tragedy.”

Ruby Chen, father of hostage Itay Chen, said, “What kind of human beings take deceased people and use them as negotiation chips? Who denies the deceased the last basic human dignity that they deserve?” He described the withholding of information about his son as “a form of slow and enduring psychological torture.”

Russia’s Deputy Permanent Representative Maria Zabolotskaya said, “Even such an important matter as the search for missing persons is being used as a means of political pressure.” She added, “This approach is counterproductive and leads to the degradation of humanitarian cooperation.”

Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon said, “So many in this Council, so many righteous nations, have said next to nothing. There are currently 58 hostages being held in Gaza, some alive, some murdered. All denied the rights. All denied access. All denied the dignity that should never be in question.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XvG2153LMI

MIL OSI Video –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Cities Unite for Data-Driven Urban Resilience: UNDRR & WCCD Host Workshops in Vaughan, Canada, and Ajman, United Arab Emirates

Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

Cities around the world have a tremendous opportunity to enhance their urban resilience by leveraging standardized, reliable data. Such data is crucial for evidence-based, needs-driven planning and for attracting investment in disaster risk reduction and sustainable development. By utilizing consistent and verifiable data, cities can present compelling cases to investors, securing the necessary funding for critical infrastructure projects. This approach not only improves immediate disaster preparedness but also supports long-term urban planning and sustainability efforts.

Recognizing this potential, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and World Council on City Data (WCCD) jointly hosted workshops in Vaughan, Canada, and Ajman, United Arab Emirates. The central theme, “Data for Resilient Cities,” emphasized the importance of standardized, third-party verified city data in fostering collaboration between local governments and the financial sector. This data is essential for strategic planning and mitigating risks through resilient infrastructure investments.

The workshops, held on 24-25 April in Vaughan welcomed cities primarily from the Americas and Europe—including Toronto, Vaughan, Mississauga, the Regional Municipality of York (Canada), Reykjavik (Iceland), Montevideo (Uruguay), Buenos Aires (Argentina), and Montego Bay (Jamaica)— while the Ajman session on 6-7 May convened participants from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, including Al Madinah (Saudi Arabia), Makati City (Philippines), Windhoek (Namibia), Kisumu (Kenya), Minna (Nigeria), Banjul (The Gambia), Ajman (UAE), and Doha (Qatar). These cities engaged in fruitful exchanges of experience on the use of data, ISO certification, and urban resilience strategies and planning—demonstrating the power of peer learning and global cooperation in advancing resilient urban development.

Participants were introduced to ISO 37123—Indicators for Resilient Cities and ISO 37125—Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) for Cities. These standards provide a robust framework for cities to align their resilience planning with private sector financing, ensuring informed investment decisions based on reliable ESG metrics.

Hosted by Vaughan and Ajman—the world first ISO37123 certified cities, the workshops focused on two main areas: strategic planning and resilience data, and financing resilient infrastructure. The session highlighted the importance of data in the implementation of ISO 37123, emphasizing the role of certified resilience data in risk reduction planning, disaster recovery, and urban governance. Peer-to-peer exchanges allowed cities to share lessons learned and discuss resilience challenges and solutions. Additionally, the introduction of ISO 37125 explored how ESG metrics can unlock capital markets. Sustainable finance leaders engaged in discussions on the role of certified city data in supporting municipal bonds, green bonds, and other sustainable investment vehicles.

Participants left the workshops with a comprehensive understanding of how ISO-certified data can be applied to strengthen disaster risk reduction and capital planning, and how data insights help align local resilience goals with global finance frameworks.

These workshops were part of the UN-led Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) initiative and support the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and UN Sustainable Development Goals. They mark pivotal moments where cities and the financial sector unite around standardized, verified data to drive resilient investment.

“We are bringing cities and banks into the same room to address two critical challenges—cities need funding, and investors need data. These workshops equip both with the tools to take meaningful, collaborative action.”

– Dr. Patricia McCarney, President and CEO of WCCD

“With disasters accelerating and urban services under increasing pressure, these workshops mark pivotal moments—where cities and the financial sector unite around standardized, verified data to drive resilient investment.”

– Sanjaya Bhatia, Head of Global Education and Training Institute, UNDRR

The success of the Vaughan and Ajman workshops sets the stage for future sessions aimed at empowering cities to not just recover but lead in resilience planning and sustainable development.

MCR2030 is a United Nations-led global partnership that has mobilized more than 1,800 local governments from 93 countries and territories, representing 597 million people, committed to strengthening their disaster and climate resilience. The workshops highlighted the role of MCR2030 Core Partners —UNDRR and WCCD—in leveraging the technical expertise and global networks of both organizations to guide cities in applying standardized data for risk-informed planning, investment, and governance. The events also underscored the importance of city-to-city learning and exchange in fostering collaboration and network among cities on disaster risk reduction and climate resilience.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: New Permanent Representative of Rwanda Presents Credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva

Source: United Nations – Geneva

Urujeni Bakuramutsa, the new Permanent Representative of Rwanda to the United Nations Office at Geneva, today presented her credentials to Tatiana Valovaya, the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva.

Prior to her appointment to Geneva, Ms. Bakuramutsa had been serving as Ambassador of Rwanda to Jordan since December 2023. She served as Director of the Cabinet of the Office of the President of Rwanda from March 2020 to December 2023. She also held the post of Permanent Secretary at the Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation from October 2018 to March 2020.

Ms. Bakuramutsa served as Minister Counsellor and Deputy Permanent Representative of Rwanda to the United Nations in New York from October 2016 to October 2018. She was Director General of the Imbuto Foundation in Kigali from May 2014 to October 2016. She started her career working in the private sector, first in California, United States from November 2006 to December 2011, and then in Kigali, Rwanda from January 2012 to May 2014.

Ms. Bakuramutsa holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Sacramento State University in the United States. She was born in 1979 in Burkina Faso and is married with three children.

___________

Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media;
not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

CR25.020E

MIL OSI United Nations News –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Support for a Peaceful Future in Syria

Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

To further support regional stability, President Trump affirmed the United States’ support for a peaceful future in Syria. As the President said, he is ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance at greatness. — Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott

———-
Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
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#StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEZqTpmoiBg

MIL OSI Video –

May 16, 2025
Russians and Ukrainians in Turkey for what would be first talks in 3 year

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were in Istanbul on Friday for what was billed as their first direct peace talks in more than three years, under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to end Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two.

The encounter anticipated at the Dolmabahce Palace on the Bosphorus would be a sign of diplomatic progress between the warring sides, who had not met face-to-face since March 2022, the month following Russia’s invasion.

Expectations for a major breakthrough, already low, were dented further on Thursday when Trump said there would be no movement without a meeting between himself and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.

Trump, winding up a Middle East tour and heading back to Washington, said on Friday he would meet the Russian leader “as soon as we can set it up”.

In Istanbul, a Reuters reporter saw the first vehicles arriving at the talks venue, including white minibuses and several black cars. A Turkish Foreign Ministry source said a meeting had started between Turkish, U.S. and Ukrainian officials.

Turkish sources had said the Ukrainian and Russian delegations would meet in the presence of Turkish officials, beginning at 0930 GMT.

Putin on Sunday proposed direct talks with Ukraine in Turkey, but has spurned a challenge from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to meet him in person, and instead has sent a team of mid-ranking officials to the talks.

Zelenskiy said Putin’s decision not to attend but to send what he called a “decorative” lineup showed the Russian leader was not serious about ending the war. Russia accused Ukraine of trying “to put on a show” around the talks.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also flew to Istanbul on Friday, told reporters the night before that, based on the level of the negotiating teams, a major breakthrough was unlikely.

“I hope I’m wrong. I hope I’m 100% wrong. I hope tomorrow the news says they’ve agreed to a ceasefire; they’ve agreed to enter serious negotiations. But I’m just giving you my assessment, honestly,” he said.

Russia says it sees the talks as a continuation of the negotiations that took place in the early weeks of the war in 2022, also in Istanbul.

But the terms under discussion then, when Ukraine was still reeling from Russia’s initial invasion, would be deeply disadvantageous to Kyiv. They included a demand by Moscow for large cuts to the size of Ukraine’s military.

With Russian forces now in control of close to a fifth of Ukraine, Putin has held fast to his longstanding demands for Kyiv to cede territory, abandon its NATO membership ambitions and become a neutral country.

Ukraine rejects these terms as tantamount to capitulation, and is seeking guarantees of its future security from world powers, especially the United States.

(Reuters)

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Regulator orders reform to governance at Islamic Centre of England
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Press release

Regulator orders reform to governance at Islamic Centre of England

The Charity Commission has issued the Islamic Centre of England Limited with a formal Order under Section 84 of the Charities Act, compelling the trustees to provide rigorous oversight of future speakers and online activity by the charity among other actions.
The Order has been issued in the context of a finding of misconduct and / or mismanagement during the regulator’s ongoing inquiry into the charity, to address the charity’s previous failures and to ensure that its governance is improved for the future.

The move follows the appointment of two additional trustees at the charity – a centre of Islamic worship in north London – and the conclusion of extensive work by an Interim Manager appointed by the Commission to take temporary control of essential aspects of the charity’s running and to review its governance.

The regulator opened an inquiry into the Islamic Centre of England in November 2022 to investigate serious governance concerns. The Commission appointed the Interim Manager in May 2023 and, in parallel with her work, continued to investigate concerns about the running of the charity.

Breaches of previous advice and Orders

The Commission has taken regulatory action during the inquiry, which remains ongoing, on wide-ranging governance issues and breaches of previous advice and orders. These included more recently failure to fully comply with the Order appointing the Interim Manager and failure to fully comply with directions. The Commission considers these, and a range of other past breaches, mismanagement and misconduct in the administration of the charity. The trustees currently dispute some of these legal findings.

Section 84 Order

The Section 84 Order requires the trustees to take a range of actions to improve the charity’s operations, governance and financial oversight, with clear deadlines for compliance. Among these are that the trustees are instructed to ensure that all religious services, speakers and events further the objects of the charity and are in its best interests, complying with due diligence processes put in place by the Interim Manager. Similarly, the trustees are required to ensure the charity’s website and social media content is exclusively in furtherance of the charity’s purposes and that trustees and staff document their decisions appropriately. The Commission will continue to closely monitor the trustees’ compliance with these and other actions in the Order, and can take further regulatory action if the trustees fail to do so.

Changes to trustees

During the course of the Commission’s inquiry a requirement was removed from the charity’s governing document for one trustee to be the official UK religious representative of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the occupant left this role. This addressed regulatory concerns about the charity’s failure to manage the conflicts of interest and apparent lack of independence this caused, which were at odds with charity law.

Separately, the Interim Manager had overseen the appointment of the two new trustees and taken steps to improve the charity’s management and governance, particularly regarding speakers and events. The Commission has now discharged the Interim Manager, Emma Moody, after she implemented specific improvements asked of her by the Commission, with further improvements to be delivered by the trustees under the Order.

Charity Commission Chief Executive, David Holdsworth, said:

The law requires, and the public expect, charities to operate exclusively for the public benefit. The vast majority of charities do so successfully, making a difference every day. As this case shows, when a charity fails to operate in line with its legal duties we will step in to take action. We now expect the trustees to take the required action directed by the Commission and will not hesitate to use further legal powers should that be necessary.

The Commission’s statutory inquiry is ongoing. It is the Commission’s practice to publish a report setting out its findings, regulatory actions and conclusions once an inquiry has concluded.

ENDS

Notes to editors

A statutory inquiry is the Commission’s most serious form of investigation: How the Charity Commission investigates charities – GOV.UK and our policy on media reporting of current regulatory work is available on gov.uk: How the Charity Commission reports on its regulatory work – GOV.UK.

The statutory inquiry into Islamic Centre of England is ongoing. How long our inquiries take vary from case-to-case. When an inquiry concludes we publish a report that detail the issues looked at, what actions were undertaken and what the outcomes were. These are on gov.uk.

The Interim Manager’s duties included overseeing a successful process to recruit two new trustees to help to improve the charity’s governance, which is the focus of the Commission’s ongoing inquiry. There is information about the role of an Interim Manager on gov.uk.

The Commission previously issued a statement to tackle misinformation about why the Centre was temporarily closed. This issue pre-dated the appointment of an Interim Manager.

In legislation set by Parliament, a charity is an organisation set up with exclusively charitable purposes for the public benefit and subject to the High Court’s jurisdiction. Please see further information about what is a charity. Once an organisation is registered as a charity it can only be removed in extremely limited circumstances such as where it is no longer operating. It is not open to the Commission to remove charitable status as a sanction.

Press office

Email pressenquiries@charitycommission.gov.uk

Out of hours press office contact number: 07785 748787

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Published 16 May 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI: Fast Payout Online Casinos: JACKBIT Rated As The Best Online Casino With Quick Payout & Instant Withdrawal!
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW ORLEANS, May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — If you are looking for casinos with fast payouts & instant withdrawals, then JACKBIT is for you. While a large majority of online casinos make you go through various hoops before handing out your cash, JACKBIT stands out differently from them with its simple but fast crypto payouts. Among the many options available, JACKBIT is recognized as one of the best fast payout online casinos.

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You might have heard its name before, especially due to its immense popularity in the entertainment industry. This article will help you get to know it better and provide you with insights into its bonuses, promotions, payouts, and other key features to help you decide whether it is the one for you.

JACKBIT: A Closer Look Into The Fast Payout Online Casino

Founded and operating under the ownership of Ryker B.V. since 2022, JACKBIT is considered one of the best payout online casino in the entertainment industry and is licensed by the Curacao iGaming License providers.

JACKBIT sets a benchmark for others in the sector with its cutting-edge user interface and gameplay, prompting users to try out their games and enjoy the thrill they provide. But the reason the casino retains them is because of its lucrative bonuses and loyalty programs. For further information on the casino, refer to the following sections.

JACKBIT: Pros & Cons

Like any other best online casinos that payout instantly, JACKBIT has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. But in JACKBIT’s case, its pros far outweigh its drawbacks. So without any further ado, let’s take a look at them.

Pros:
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- No wagering free spins as a welcome bonus.
- Housing of over 7000 online games.
- Extensive crypto payment support.
- Provides 24/7 multilingual customer support.
- Features an exchange to buy crypto on the platform.
- Excellent UI.
- No KYC, unless you plan to buy crypto using fiat currency.
Cons:
- Restricted in certain countries.
Players can easily access the platform from anywhere at any time using a VPN.

How to Start Playing on JACKBIT

Starting your gambling career with JACBIT is far easier than you think. In fact, it will only take about 5 or 10 minutes of your time. And to boost this ease, the casino platform also doesn’t employ any KYC verification mechanism, meaning you can jump straight to gambling at once. For further insights into this procedure, refer to the following steps.

Step 1: Go to the official website

JACKBIT’s website is available on both desktop and mobile. So, go to your browser and hit it up. After finding their original website, start creating your account.

Step 2: Sign Up Procedure

Click the “Register” button and enter the following information on the sign-up page.
- A username
- Email Address
- A strong password
- Mobile Number
After providing this information, click the “Register” button after going through the site’s “Terms & Conditions”.

Step 3: Making the First Deposit

After creating your account, navigate to the “Wallet” section. Enter the preferred crypto payment type and network. Then a QR will appear, scan it or copy the deposit address, and send funds to it. After JACKBIT validates this transaction, the money will be credited to your gambling account.

If you don’t have crypto, swap it using real money via JACKBIT’s exchange. You can use VISA, Apple Pay, and Google Pay for this. Click on Continue, submit the requested details, and complete the KYC verification to complete the transaction. If you’re using direct crypto payment, you can bypass all this.

Step 4: Commencing Gambling

After the fund appears in your account, go to the game section on the homepage, choose a game, and play. Also, if you want a specific type of game, you can always go through the category section.

Factors Taken Into Account While Choosing the Fast Payout Online Casinos

JACKBIT was chosen as the best fast payout and instant withdrawal casino based on many factors, including bonuses, promotions, license, game selection, and more. Here is a brief breakdown of these facts.

Bonuses & Promotions

JACKBIT offers one of the best promotional bonuses in the industry.
- 30% Rakeback, Wager-free, and 100 FS
- UEFA Cashback: Up to 10%
- JACKBIT tournaments with daily and weekly rewards of 1000 FS and $10K prize pools.
- Rakeback VIP Club
- Drop & Wins with a prize pool of 2 Million Euros
- Social Media Bonuses
Whether you want a brief indulgence or want to start a professional gambling career, JACKBIT provides it all, especially with its lucrative rewards system, specifically designed to cater to a wide range of gamblers.

✅CLAIM YOUR NO-WAGER 30% RAKEBACK BONUS — CLICK HERE!

License & Trust Of The Fast Payout Online Casinos

The owner of JACKBIT is Dama N.V., one of the major players in the entertainment industry, which adheres to the laws established by the Curacao iGaming Authority, a gambling license provider under the Curacao government. This license differentiates JACKBIT from other online dens that opt for less-reputed license providers, and assures its players that the casino they are playing ensures privacy and data protection.

As the best paying online casino, JACKBIT also ensures transparency and fairness for all of its players by providing them with probably fair games to verify the outcome of each game so they can see for themselves that none of the games are rigged.

JACKBIT’s Game Selections

JACBIT is home to over 6600 classic casino games and several mini and other wagering games. The casino also boasts a sportsbook feature, enabling players to place bets on various sports matches, which is quite rare in online casinos.

Moreover, all of these games are developed by top software providers in the industry, like BGaming, Endorphina, and Hacksaw Gaming. Here are the top gaming categories that the casino offers
- Slots
- Live Dealer Games
- Video Poker
- Scratch Cards
- Jackpots
- Table Games
Each of these gaming categories offers you high-quality graphics and sound games, regardless of the platform you’re playing from. Apart from these, other high RTP games can win you a lot in one go, if you’re lucky enough.

VIP Programs & Cashbacks In the Fast Payout Online Casinos

JACKBIT offers an advanced VIP program for everyone through their Rakeback VIP System. The rewards of this program are determined by the amount of points players manage to accumulate during their time in the casino and are specifically tailored to your VIP level.

So, the higher your VIP status, the more exciting your reward will be. As a fast payout & instant withdrawal casino, you can also receive instant cashback based on your points. Each 100 points is worth up to $1, and when you reach the $5 mark, you can claim it. What’s more interesting about this cashback system is its lack of a maximum limit. However, keep in mind that certain games, such as Roulette and Baccarat, do not count when trying to up your point level.

Payment Mechanism

JACKBIT mainly supports 21 payment methods. They are:
- VISA
- Master Card
- BTC
- ETH
- USDT
- BNB
- SOL
- XRP
- USDC
- ADA
- DOGE
- LINK
- TRX
- MATIC
- SHIBA
- DAI
- BCH
- LTC
- XMR
- DASH
- BUSD
On the off chance that you don’t have crypto to play, the platform also facilitates an exchange through which you can buy it. The exchange facilitates crypto purchase through VISA, Master Card, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and bank transfer. However, the casino has put certain limits on how much money you can deposit or withdraw at a time.

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Top Games On The Fast Payout Online Casinos

JACKBIT houses over 7000 online games, including classic casino games, instant mini-games, and live dealer games. Here we will look into some of these categories and the top games in each one.

1. Instant Games

Instant wins are games of chance in casinos that yield instant results, normally generated using a Random Number Generator. The top instant games in JACKBIT are:
- Plinko
- Catchup
- DICE
- Mines
- Aero
- IceField
2. Casino Games

Casino games are games that are generally found in casinos, like blackjack, roulette, and more. The top casino games in JACKBIT are:
- Sweet Bonanza
- Book of Dead
- Stack ‘em
- Gates of Olympus
- Sun of Egypt 2
- Extra Chilli
- Book of the Fallen
3. Live Dealer Games

Live dealer games are online games featuring a live dealer. The live game session is then broadcast to the players who try to outsmart the dealer and win the pot. Top live dealer games in JACKBIT include:
- Lightning Roulette
- Crazy Time
- Dragon Tiger
- Monopoly Live
- Instant Roulette
- Infinite Blackjack
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Mobile Experience & UI

JACKBIT offers its players a modern and innovative UI in both mobile and desktop setups, making it easy to navigate, find games, and other key features. Their website also features several animations to enhance its look and feel, and is specifically designed to be user-friendly. Another key aspect of their website is its mobile optimization, which helps in providing a seamless experience for players.

Responsible Gambling With JACKBIT

The Curaçao Gaming Control Board licensed JACKBIT to offer games of chance under license number OGL/2024/1800/1049 per the National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard.

And as part of this license, JACKBIT also needs to implement several responsible gambling measures to ensure their players’ well-being and counter gambling addiction. Here we will look into these measures.

Age Restriction

JACKBIT does not permit anyone below the age of 18 to create an account or play on their platform. If such a case comes to light, the casino will take rapid and severe action as mentioned in their “Terms & Conditions.”

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Disclaimer & Affiliate Disclosure

This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. The content is based on research and user reviews, with no warranties as to accuracy or completeness. Users must verify information before acting.

Online gambling involves risks and is not suitable for everyone. Confirm you meet the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction. Gambling laws vary, and compliance is your responsibility. We do not promote gambling; participation is at your own risk. JACKBIT is a third-party platform, and we are not liable for losses or disputes.

This article may contain affiliate links, earning us a commission at no cost to you for qualifying actions. These support our content, but our reviews remain unbiased. Always conduct your own research before signing up.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

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The MIL Network –
May 16, 2025
All eyes on Doha as Neeraj Chopra launches 2025 campaign

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

India’s two-time Olympic medallist and reigning World Champion in javelin throw, Neeraj Chopra, is set to begin his 2025 Diamond League campaign in Doha, Qatar. This marks his first competitive appearance of the season in the prestigious international series.

Aiming for the elusive 90m mark

The elusive 90-metre barrier remains one of Chopra’s key goals heading into the season. Despite winning gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and silver at Paris 2024, the landmark distance continues to stay just out of reach.

For the new season, Neeraj Chopra has shifted to training under Czech javelin legend Jan Železný, a three-time Olympic gold medallist and the current world record holder. This move marks the end of his successful partnership with biomechanics expert Dr. Klaus Bartonietz, under whose guidance he achieved both Olympic and World Championship glory.

The meet in Doha carries added importance for Chopra, as it will be his only major competition in May. His next planned appearance, the NC Classic 2025 in Bengaluru, was cancelled. The meet, originally set for May 24, was being organised in collaboration with World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of India.

In Doha, Chopra will face a strong field of elite competitors. The lineup includes Anderson Peters of Grenada, a two-time world champion and 2024 Olympic bronze medallist; Jakub Vadlejch of Czechia, last year’s winner in Doha; Germany’s Julian Weber and Max Dehning; Kenya’s Julius Yego; and Japan’s Roderick Genki Dean. Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, the reigning Olympic champion, will be absent as he focuses on preparations for the Asian Athletics Championships in Korea.

India will also have representation beyond Chopra. Asian Games silver medallist Kishore Kumar Jena will also compete in the men’s javelin event. On the track, national record holder Gulveer Singh will run in the men’s 5000 metres, while Parul Chaudhary will compete in the women’s 3000 metres steeplechase.

Neeraj Chopra’s event is scheduled to begin at 10:13 PM IST on Friday, May 16. The meet will not be broadcast on television but will be streamed live on the Wanda Diamond League’s official YouTube channel and Facebook page.

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: US announces $200 billion in deals with UAE

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

WASHINGTON, May 16 (Xinhua) — The United States on Thursday announced deals worth more than $200 billion with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including advanced technology, aerospace, energy and critical minerals.

The White House press release said Etihad Airways, the UAE airline, has committed to investing $14.5 billion to acquire 28 Boeing 787 and Boeing 777X jets powered by GE engines.

阿联酋阿提哈德航空公司承诺投资 145 亿美元购买 28 架波音 787 “梦想客机” 和波音 777X 客机

Emirates Global Aluminum, a UAE company, will invest in a $4 billion primary aluminum smelter in the US state of Oklahoma, according to a press release that calls the plant “one of the first new aluminum smelters in the US in 45 years.”

阿联酋环球铝业将在美国俄克拉何马州投资 40 亿美元开发一个冶炼厂项目，美国雷神公司将与阿联酋方面进行涉及镓的合作项目

US companies ExxonMobil, Occidental Petroleum and EOG Resources are partnering with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company to expand oil and natural gas production worth $60 billion, while US company RTX is partnering with Emirates Global Aluminium and the UAE’s Tawazun Council on a pioneering gallium project, according to a press release.

US President Donald Trump began a visit to the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, the final stop on his Middle East tour, following visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The UAE has pledged to invest $1.4 trillion in the United States over the next decade. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Tel Aviv hosts business event aimed at developing Chinese-Israeli cooperation in healthcare

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

JERUSALEM, May 16 (Xinhua) — A business event aimed at promoting cooperation between Chinese and Israeli enterprises in the healthcare sector was held in Tel Aviv, Israel on Thursday.

The event, hosted by the China-Israel Innovation Industrial Park in Changzhou, eastern China, was attended by more than 100 representatives from government, business, technology and medical sectors from both countries. During the event, Chinese and Israeli companies signed technology cooperation agreements, and several Israeli firms entered into agreements to join the innovation park.

Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to Israel Xiao Junzheng stressed that technological innovation is a key factor in the healthy development of China-Israel relations.

China, with its vast single market, comprehensive industrial system and growing innovation ecosystem, complements Israel’s strengths in original research and its excellent innovation environment, he said.

Over the past decade, the park has become a “key window” for Chinese-Israeli scientific cooperation, especially in health care, according to Shen Dong, a senior official in the city of Changzhou. He noted that the park has attracted about 300 Israeli companies and joint ventures. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Lackawanna man going to prison for his role in kidnapping conspiracy attempting to force sister to marry in Yemen

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Waleed Abughanem, 33, of Lackawanna, NY, who was convicted of misprision of felony, was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles M. Kruly and Maeve E. Huggins, who handled the case, stated that Abughanem is the son of Khaled Abughanem and the brother of Adham Abughanem. On September 8, 2021, Khaled and Adham Abughanem flew from Buffalo, NY, to Guadalajara, Mexico to kidnap Victim 1, who is the daughter of Khaled and the sister of Adham and Waleed. Between September 10, 2021, and April 6, 2023, Waleed, Khaled and Adham Abughanem conspired to transport Victim 1 from the Western District of New York to Cairo, Egypt, and then to Sanaa, Yemen, where they confined Victim 1 for approximately 16 months with the purpose of marrying her to a man not of her choosing.

Waleed Abughanem knew Victim 1 was being held involuntarily, and during some of this period, he was present in Yemen. When he was not present in Yemen, Waleed Abughanem instructed his wife to monitor and supervise Victim 1. In December 2022, Waleed Abughanem traveled from Yemen to the United States. When questioned by U.S. Customs and Border Protection as to the whereabouts of his siblings, Waleed Abughanem told the CBP Officer that the Victim was in the United States. By making a false statement, Waleed Abughanem concealed that Victim 1 had been kidnapped and was being involuntarily held in Yemen.

Khaled and Adham Abughanem were previously convicted by a federal jury at trial and are awaiting sentencing.

Waleed Abughanem’s sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, under the direction of Diplomatic Security Director Carlos Matus and Deputy Assistant Secretary Paul Houston. Additional assistance was provided by the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Packard, Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, and CPB in Boston, Massachusetts.

# # # #

MIL Security OSI –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Final Defendant in Sexual Assault of a 14-Year-Old Girl Sentenced to Prison

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Nasouh Albasis-Albasis, 27, of West Valley, Utah, was sentenced to 110 months’ imprisonment and a life term of supervised release after he and one of his co-defendants sexually assaulted a 14-year-old victim in the back of a vehicle, which was recorded and shared on social media in 2017.

The sentence, imposed by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Tena Campbell, comes after Albasis-Albasis pleaded guilty on January 23, 2025, to charges involving child sexual abuse material. His co-defendants, Dodjim Leclaire, 32, of Murray, Utah, and his brother Richard Djasserambaye, 29, of Central Republic of Africa, living in Murray, Utah, at the time of the assault, were also sentenced. Leclaire was sentenced to 208 months’ imprisonment and Djasserambaye was sentenced to 181 months’ imprisonment. Both defendants were sentenced to a life term of supervised release.

According to court documents and statements made at Albasis-Albasis’ change of plea and sentencing hearings, on September 9, 2017, Albasis-Albasis and his co-defendants Djasserambaye, and Leclaire used the 14-year-old victim to produce sexually explicit images. Specifically, Albasis-Albasis and Leclaire sexually assaulted the severely intoxicated and physically incapacitated minor while Djasserambaye video recorded the violent assaults. Djasserambaye then posted the video on social media. Albasis-Albasis further admitted he had video of the assaults of the victim on his cell phone.

The case was investigated jointly by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, West Jordan City Police Department, Salt Lake City Police Department, Sandy City Police Department and Syracuse City Police Department.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

MIL Security OSI –

May 16, 2025
Peace breakthrough unlikely as Putin declines to meet Zelenskiy in Turkey

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Russia’s Vladimir Putin spurned a challenge to meet face-to-face with Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Turkey on Thursday, instead sending a second-tier delegation to planned peace talks, while Ukraine’s president said his defence minister would head up Kyiv’s team.

They will be the first direct talks between the sides since March 2022, but hopes of a major breakthrough were further dented by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said there would be no movement without a meeting between himself and Putin.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later echoed that view, telling reporters in the Turkish resort of Antalya that Washington “didn’t have high expectations” for the Ukraine talks in Istanbul.

The head of the Russian delegation, presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky, said he expected Ukraine’s representatives to turn up for the beginning of discussions on Friday in Istanbul at 10 a.m. local time (0700 GMT).

“We are ready to work,” Medinsky said in a video posted on the Telegram messaging app. He said his delegation had held “productive” talks on Thursday evening with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Zelenskiy said Putin’s decision not to attend but to send what he called a “decorative” lineup showed the Russian leader was not serious about ending the war. Russia accused Ukraine of trying “to put on a show” around the talks.

“We can’t be running around the world looking for Putin,” Zelenskiy said after meeting Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara.

“I feel disrespect from Russia. No meeting time, no agenda, no high-level delegation – this is personal disrespect. To Erdogan, to Trump,” Zelenskiy told reporters.

Zelenskiy said he would also not go to Istanbul and that his team’s mandate was to discuss a ceasefire.

A decree issued by Zelenskiy said Ukraine’s delegation would be led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov and include the deputy heads of its intelligence services, the deputy chief of the military’s general staff and the deputy foreign minister.

Ukraine backs an immediate, unconditional 30-day ceasefire but Putin has said he first wants to start talks at which the details of such a truce could be discussed. More than three years after its full-scale invasion, Russia has the advantage on the battlefield and says Ukraine could use a pause in the war to call up extra troops and acquire more Western weapons.

Both Trump and Putin have said for months they are keen to meet each other, but no date has been set. Trump, after piling heavy pressure on Ukraine and clashing with Zelenskiy in the Oval Office in February, has lately expressed growing impatience that Putin may be “tapping me along.”

“Nothing’s going to happen until Putin and I get together,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.

Rubio, speaking in Antalya, later echoed that thought: “It’s my assessment that I don’t think we’re going to have a breakthrough here until the President (Trump) and President Putin interact directly on this topic.”

Referring to the current state of the talks as a “logjam,” Rubio said he would travel to Istanbul to meet with Turkey’s foreign minister and Ukraine’s delegation on Friday.

The diplomatic disarray was symptomatic of the hostility between the sides and the unpredictability injected by Trump, whose interventions since returning to the White House in January have often provoked dismay from Ukraine and its European allies.

While Zelenskiy waited in vain for Putin in Ankara, the Russian negotiators had no one to talk to on the Ukrainian side. Some 200 reporters milled around near the Dolmabahce Palace on the Bosphorus Strait that the Russians had specified as the venue.

CEASEFIRES AND PEACE TALKS

The enemies have been wrestling for months over the logistics of ceasefires and peace talks while trying to show Trump they are serious about trying to end what he calls “this stupid war.”

Hundreds of thousands have been killed and wounded on both sides in the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War Two. Washington has threatened repeatedly to abandon its mediation efforts unless there is clear progress.

Asked if Putin would join talks at some future point, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said: “What kind of participation will be required further, at what level, it is too early to say now.”

Russia said on Thursday its forces had captured two more settlements in Ukraine’s Donetsk region. A spokesperson for Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov pointedly reminded reporters of his comment last year that Ukraine was “getting smaller” in the absence of an agreement to stop fighting.

FIRST TALKS FOR THREE YEARS

Once they start, the talks will have to address a chasm between the two sides over a host of issues.

Russian delegation head Medinsky is a former culture minister who has overseen the rewriting of history textbooks to reflect Moscow’s narrative on the war. It includes a deputy defence minister, a deputy foreign minister and the head of military intelligence.

Key members of the team, including its leader, were also involved in the last direct peace talks in Istanbul in March 2022 – and Medinsky confirmed on Thursday that Russia saw the new talks as a resumption of those interrupted three years ago.

“The task of direct negotiations with the Ukrainian side is sooner or later to achieve long-term peace by eliminating the basic root causes of the conflict,” said Medinsky.

The terms under discussion in 2022, when Ukraine was still reeling from Russia’s initial invasion, would be deeply disadvantageous to Kyiv. They included a demand by Moscow for large cuts to the size of Ukraine’s military.

With Russian forces now in control of close to a fifth of Ukraine, Putin has held fast to his longstanding demands for Kyiv to cede territory, abandon its NATO membership ambitions and become a neutral country.

Ukraine rejects these terms as tantamount to capitulation, and is seeking guarantees of its future security from world powers, especially the United States.

(Reuters)

May 16, 2025
Ronaldo tops Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes for third year in a row

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (2)

ristiano Ronaldo topped Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes for the third consecutive year and the fifth time in his career.

Following his move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, Ronaldo’s estimated total earnings are around $275 million.

The Portuguese forward increased his income by $15 million through off-field endorsements as well as lucrative sponsorship deals backed by his large social media followers: 939 million in total as of May.

Meanwhile, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, who in March became the first NBA player to reach 4,000 career three-pointers, jumped to second place in the rankings with $156 million.

Boxer Tyson Fury claimed third place with $146 million. Despite losing his world heavyweight titles to Oleksandr Usyk in December, Fury’s income has been boosted by partnerships promoting Maltese tourism and his Netflix reality show.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, reached fourth with $137 million, thanks to record-breaking signing bonuses and a lucrative contract extension.

Meanwhile, Argentine Lionel Messi dropped to fifth place with $135 million — the same as last year — having moved to Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, as well as continuing to receive high-profile endorsements from Adidas and Apple.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, nearing the end of his illustrious career, came sixth with $133.8 million.

MLB New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto came in at a remarkable seventh place, earning $114 million. The 26-year-old Dominican signed a $765 million, 15-year contract, the largest in baseball history.

French striker Karim Benzema, who plays for Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad, is eighth with earnings of $104 million.

Japanese Shohei Ohtani is in ninth place with $102.5 million, having deferred most of his earnings from his mega-contract with MLB team Los Angeles Dodgers. His earnings were boosted significantly by their World Series victory last year.

NBA Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant rounds off the top 10 with $101.4 million.

–Reuters

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Indonesia plans to export rice, provide humanitarian aid due to sufficient stocks

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

JAKARTA, May 16 (Xinhua) — The Indonesian government on Thursday announced a plan to export rice and also send it as humanitarian aid to needy countries as it has enough stocks to meet domestic demand.

Indonesian Vice Agriculture Minister Sudariono said the government had discussed the possibility of exporting 2,000 tonnes of rice per month to Malaysia. However, an agreement has not yet been signed.

The government is also exploring the possibility of using surplus rice to provide humanitarian aid, including to Palestine. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Qatar, US sign major deals to boost cooperation

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (2nd R) and U.S. President Donald Trump (2nd L) witness the signing of a series of deals at the Amiri Diwan in Doha, Qatar, on May 14, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Qatar and the United States signed on Wednesday a series of deals to boost bilateral cooperation following a meeting between the two heads of state, according to a statement from the Emiri Diwan, the administrative office of the Qatari emir.

The two sides signed a purchase agreement for Boeing aircraft, which is described by the White House in a fact sheet elaborating on some of the deals as a “historic” sale order worth 96 billion U.S. dollars, with Qatar Airways’ acquisition of up to 210 Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X aircraft.

Qatar and the U.S. also signed a statement of intent on defense cooperation, outlining over 38 billion dollars in potential investments, including support for burden-sharing at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and future defense capabilities related to air and maritime security.

In addition, two letters of offer and acceptance were signed, one for U.S. General Atomics MQ-9B drones and the other for a counter-drone system developed by U.S. defense firm Raytheon, with the U.S. securing agreements valued at about 3 billion dollars in total, according to the White House fact sheet.

A joint declaration of cooperation between the two governments was also signed.

Prior to the signing ceremony, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and U.S. President Donald Trump held talks on a range of bilateral issues, with a particular focus on investment, energy, military, and security cooperation.

They also discussed regional and international developments, particularly those in the Middle East, with the Qatari emir emphasizing the importance of promoting peace and stability in the region.

The meeting came during Trump’s visit to the Gulf state, part of his first major overseas tour since taking office in January — a trip that also includes stops in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

MIL OSI China News –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Israeli airstrikes kill at least 80 in Gaza, cancer hospital knocked out of service

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

Palestinians inspect a site of an Israeli airstrike in Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza Strip, on May 15, 2025. At least 80 Palestinians were killed and dozens of others wounded in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Thursday, said Palestinian medical sources. [Photo/Xinhua]

At least 80 Palestinians were killed and dozens of others wounded in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Thursday, said Palestinian medical sources.

The Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis reported that 54 people, including women and children, were killed in strikes on the southern city, according to a press statement.

According to Gaza-based health authorities, the Gaza European Hospital, the only hospital providing medical follow-up care to cancer patients in the enclave, was out of service due to recent Israeli attacks.

The Israeli attacks “caused significant damage to infrastructure, such as sewage lines, damage to internal departments, and destruction of roads leading to the hospital,” the authorities said in a press statement.

Meanwhile, medical sources told Xinhua that 26 others were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City and other areas in northern Gaza.

The airstrikes came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Tuesday that the Israeli military would enter Gaza “with full force” in the coming days to press forward with efforts to defeat Hamas.

Israel resumed large-scale military operations in Gaza on March 18, ending a two-month ceasefire. Since then, 2,876 Palestinians have been killed and more than 7,800 injured, according to health officials in Gaza.

The total Palestinian death toll since the war erupted on Oct. 7, 2023, has reached 53,010, the officials said on Thursday.

Israel is using a policy of “reducing space and emptying populated areas to pressure citizens,” Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense in Gaza, told Xinhua on Thursday.

He also claimed that thousands of people spent the night in the streets amid threats of strikes on schools and shelters housing the displaced, adding that Israeli forces were obstructing emergency teams from reaching victims and systematically destroying Civil Defense infrastructure.

MIL OSI China News –

May 16, 2025

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