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Ukraine, Russia Far Apart After Talks, Agree Prisoner Exchange

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Ukraine, Russia Far Apart After Talks, Agree Prisoner Exchange

A second round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have ended without a major breakthrough, and only an agreement between the warring sides to swap more prisoners of war.

The Ukrainian negotiators said Russia again rejected an “unconditional ceasefire” – a key demand by Kyiv and its allies in Europe and the US.

The Russian team said it had proposed a two-to-three day truce “in certain areas” of the vast front line, but gave no further details.

At Monday’s talks, which were held in the Turkish city of Istanbul and lasted just over an hour, the two sides did agree to exchange all sick and heavy wounded prisoners of war, as well those aged under 25.

Expectations were low even before the talks started, with both sides remaining deeply divided on how to end the war that has been raging since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory, including the southern Crimea peninsula which it annexed in 2014.

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Speaking at a briefing after the meeting, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, who led Kyiv’s negotiating team, said Ukraine was insisting on a “full and and unconditional ceasefire” for at least 30 days to “end the killings now”.

He said Ukraine had handed over its truce proposals to Russia “a few days ago” – but Moscow failed to do the same, only presenting its plan at the Istanbul talks.

Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kyslytsia then said that Russia rejected the unconditional ceasefire.

Ukraine’s negotiators said they were expecting Russia’s response to Ukrainian proposals by the end of June, stressing on the need to prepare for direct talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

Speaking shortly afterwards at a separate news briefing, Russian delegation head Vladimir Medinsky confirmed that all sick and heavy wounded prisoners of war and those younger than 25 would be exchanged. No timeframe was given as to when this would happen.

Medinsky also said that next week Russia would hand over to Kyiv the bodies of 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers.

In the first round of direct peace talks, held on 16 May, Ukraine and Russia failed to bridge their differences on how to end the war, agreeing only to swap 1,000 prisoners of war each.

President Zelensky and his European allies have repeatedly accused Russia of deliberately delaying any meaningful negotiations to seize more Ukrainian territory.

US President Donald Trump, who has been pushing for a quick settlement, has so far delayed hitting Russia with tough sanctions.

In a rare rebuke last month, Trump called Putin “absolutely crazy” following Russia’s largest drone and missile attacks on Ukraine. In response, the Kremlin said Trump was showing signs of “emotional overload”.

Bbc.com

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UK Lists 10 Requirements Nigerians Need To Secure Work Visa

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The UK Home Office has set out detailed requirements that foreign nationals, including Nigerians, must satisfy before they can qualify for a Skilled Worker visa.

The requirements, published on the UK government’s official website, apply to overseas professionals seeking to work in eligible jobs with approved employers across the United Kingdom.

According to the Home Office, applicants must meet employment, salary, language and documentation requirements before a visa can be granted. Additional evidence may also be requested depending on an applicant’s circumstances.

1. Have a job offer from an approved employer: Applicants must first secure a job offer from a UK employer licensed by the Home Office to sponsor foreign workers.

The employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which contains details of the job being offered.

2. Work in an eligible occupation: The job must appear on the UK’s list of eligible occupations for the Skilled Worker visa. Applicants must know the correct occupation code assigned to their role before applying.

3. Meet the minimum salary requirement: Most applicants must earn at least £41,700 per year or the “going rate” for their occupation, whichever is higher.

Most applicants must earn at least £41,700 per year or the “going rate” for their occupation, whichever is higher. Lower salary thresholds may apply for some healthcare workers, graduates, younger applicants and certain PhD holders.

4. Prove English language ability: Applicants must show they can speak, read, write and understand English. This can be done through approved English language tests or recognised educational qualifications taught in English.

5. Hold a valid passport: Applicants must provide a valid passport or another accepted document proving their identity and nationality as part of the visa application.

6. Show proof of financial support: Most applicants must demonstrate they have at least £1,270 available to support themselves after arriving in the UK unless their employer confirms it will cover those costs.

7. Pay visa fees and healthcare surcharge: Applicants must pay the visa application fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge for each year of their stay, and meet any other required charges before their application can be processed.

Partners and children of Skilled Worker visa holders may apply as dependants. Supporting a partner requires showing at least £285 in available funds, £315 for one child, and £200 for each additional child

8. Submit supporting documents: Applicants must provide supporting documents, including their Certificate of Sponsorship reference number, salary details, occupation code and employer information. Depending on individual circumstances, additional documents may also be required.

9. Provide extra certificates where required: Some applicants may need to submit additional documents such as tuberculosis (TB) test results, criminal record certificates, Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificates or proof of overseas qualifications.

10. Apply within the required timeframe: Applicants must submit their Skilled Worker visa application within three months of receiving their Certificate of Sponsorship from their employer.

The Home Office also advises applicants to complete identity verification and provide all required documents before a decision can be made.

Additional documents may be requested

The UK government stressed that meeting the eligibility requirements does not automatically guarantee visa approval. Immigration officials may request further documents or information to verify an applicant’s eligibility before making a final decision.

For Nigerians and other foreign professionals hoping to work in the UK, understanding these 10 requirements can help them prepare a stronger Skilled Worker visa application.

Full breakdown of the rules can be downloaded here.

 

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Canada Publishes 2 Official Websites to Find Jobs, Says Over 2,000 Vacancies Are Posted Daily 

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Canada has made it easier for unemployed individuals and foreigners who wish to live and work in the country to find jobs that can help them live comfortably and meet their basic responsibilities.

On the official Canadian government website, two links are provided to websites where job seekers can find available jobs in Canada

According to the Canadian government website, applicants who apply for jobs through these platforms can get hired by different companies, as more than 2,000 jobs are posted every day.

Aside from these two websites, the Canadian government explains that individuals can also use employment agencies to help them find jobs that match their skills.

A job seeker can also ask friends or family members if there are job openings or vacancies, as not all positions are advertised on these websites.

1. Job Bank

The Canadian government explains that thousands of jobs are advertised on this platform every day by organisations and companies. The link to access the website can be found in the detailed post published on the Canadian government website.

2. Jobs GC

Another website where foreigners who wish to work in Canada or Canadian citizens can find government jobs is the Jobs GC website. Federal public service jobs are advertised on the website, alongside several other opportunities that may match an applicant’s skills.

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US Releases List, Photos of 5 Nigerians Popular Alleged Yahoo Boys Facing Deportation 

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The United States Government, through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has updated its public register of online fraudsters (Yahoo boys) slated for deportation.

Among the list of 124 Nigerians flagged on the portal are five notorious, well-known cyber fraudsters whose identities, photographs, and criminal profiles have been officially published.

The database, known as the “Worst of the Worst” (WOW) portal, highlights some Nigerians who have been convicted of major federal crimes and are prioritised for deportation by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Legit has collated a detailed report on the five popular Nigerian fraudsters (Yahoo Boys) who are now awaiting deportation, including a former Forbes-celebrated businessman.

1. Obinwanne Okeke (Invictus Obi)

Perhaps the most famous name on the deportation list is Obinwanne Okeke, widely known as Invictus Obi. In 2016, Okeke was celebrated internationally, even making the prestigious Forbes “30 Under 30” list of Africa’s most promising entrepreneurs.

However, his empire crumbled when the FBI arrested him for masterminding an $11 million global cyber-intrusion and Business Email Compromise (BEC) scheme. His team successfully hacked the email systems of Unatrac Holding Limited, a heavy machinery supplier, to divert massive payments.

Okeke was sentenced to 10 years in a US federal prison in 2021. Following his release from custody, he was transferred to ICE and placed on the priority deportation list.

2. Oriyomi Aloba

Oriyomi Aloba carried out one of the most unusual cyberattacks on the list by targeting the US justice system itself. Aloba successfully hacked into the Los Angeles Superior Court computer system.

He then hijacked the court’s servers to send over 2 million malicious phishing emails to unsuspecting recipients, aiming to steal credit card details and personal identity data.

In 2019, US federal authorities sentenced him to 145 months (over 12 years) in prison. He has now been officially listed on the DHS portal for deportation to Nigeria.

3. Chibundu Anuebunwa

Chibundu Anuebunwa specialised in high-level corporate impersonation to swindle international companies. Anuebunwa was a key player in a transnational cyber fraud ring that ran a $2.5 million BEC scheme.

The crime team specialised in spoofing and hacking corporate emails to impersonate high-ranking executives, tricking companies worldwide into executing fraudulent wire transfers. He was sentenced to 66 months (5.5 years) in federal prison in 2023. His profile and photo are now active on the US deportation registry.

4. Quazeem Adeyinka

Quazeem Adeyinka was part of a team that exploited US government emergency funds during the global pandemic crisis.

Adeyinka participated in a wire fraud conspiracy that used stolen identities to file fraudulent claims for COVID-19 pandemic-related unemployment insurance benefits. The scheme successfully siphoned over $2.2 million from US taxpayer-funded relief programs.

He was sentenced to 26 months in federal prison and has been marked on the priority list for deportation.

5. Olaolu Alabi

Olaolu Alabi used stolen pandemic relief and corporate fraud proceeds to fund a lavish lifestyle before his arrest. Operating out of Owings Mills, Maryland, Alabi was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

He defrauded individuals and businesses of over $1.5 million using stolen identities to claim pandemic relief. Alabi personally pocketed at least $500,000, some of which he spent on a luxury trip to Hawaii for himself and his friends. He was sentenced to 66 months (5.5 years) in federal prison and is now awaiting repatriation to Nigeria on the DHS list.

While the US Government has published their names and photographs, the DHS has not released specific deportation flight dates. Under US law, each individual’s deportation will be processed systematically as they complete their prison sentences or exhaust their remaining legal options.

-Source: Legit

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