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Ongoing Operations in "Kursk"... Trump Optimistic and Kyiv Skeptical of Moscow's Intentions
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The Ukrainian President's statements reflect the deep trust gap between the warring parties, requiring strong international guarantees and effective monitoring mechanisms for any agreement reached

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin today, Saturday, of "lying" regarding the implementation of a ceasefire in Ukraine and the situation on the frontlines.
He stated that "Putin is lying to everyone about the situation on the ground, especially about what is happening in the Kursk region, where our Ukrainian forces continue their operations," adding that "Putin is also lying about how complicated a ceasefire is," according to the French News Agency.
Zelensky emphasized earlier today that his country's forces are still fighting in the Russian border province of Kursk, and that they are not surrounded as Moscow claims.
He stated in a message published on social media platforms that the situation near the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk in the east of the country has stabilized, but Russia is mobilizing its soldiers across the border from the Sumy region in northeastern Ukraine.
These statements come despite Putin's announcement last Thursday that Russian units have surrounded the remaining Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk.
Zelensky also expressed today his suspicion of the Kremlin's intentions regarding the optimism shown by US President Donald Trump about Putin's response to the truce initiative in Ukraine, saying that Russia is currently looking for various arguments to avoid ending the confrontations.
He saw, in comments posted on his social media accounts, that Russian maneuvers will only lead to prolonging the war.
He explained that yesterday was full of talks that would bring peace closer, and Zelensky confirmed that Kyiv agreed to the American proposal to suspend air, sea, and land military operations, clarifying that his country is committed to following a positive approach during negotiations.
He urged the necessity of pressuring Moscow to adopt a constructive position and end its maneuvers that will only lead to prolonging the conflict.
The US President expressed his optimism yesterday, Friday, regarding the Russian position, stating in a television interview on the "Full Measure" program that he believes Putin will accept Washington's proposal, adding that "he knows Putin well enough to say he will agree to the truce."
He also clarified that he "was somewhat sarcastic" when he repeatedly claimed as a candidate that he would stop the war between Russia and Ukraine within 24 hours, even before taking office, mentioning in a video clip to be broadcast before the episode airs tomorrow, Sunday: "Well, I was somewhat sarcastic when I said that, what I really mean is that I want to solve the problem and I will do that, I think I will succeed," which is considered a rare admission from Trump, known for a long record of exaggerated statements.
These comments came after Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with Putin in Moscow yesterday, along with other Russian officials to discuss the temporary truce proposal, and the Russian President handed his American guest a message addressed to Trump regarding the conflict cessation talks.
It is worth noting that Washington and Kyiv had reached an understanding during talks held in Saudi Arabia on March 11, to implement a 30-day ceasefire, pending the Russian position, and Moscow hinted that any temporary truce would not be useful unless it is linked to elements that make it pave the way for a permanent peace agreement.
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BENEFIT AGM approves 10%...
- March 27, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).
Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.
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