Russia Declares End of Nuclear Weapons Reduction Deal With US

By: Michael Mike

The Russian Federation has formally marked the expiration of the Russia–United States New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), stating that both countries are no longer bound by its obligations following the agreement’s termination on February 5, 2026.

In a statement issued by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Moscow recalled that the treaty—signed in 2010, enforced in 2011, and extended once in 2021—had played a significant role in curbing the strategic arms race and ensuring predictability in nuclear relations between the two powers.

Russia noted that it suspended its participation in New START in February 2023, citing what it described as persistent violations and hostile actions by the United States that undermined the treaty’s core principles.

According to the statement, Washington’s military policies, particularly in the area of missile defense, disrupted the strategic balance envisioned by the agreement and constituted a material breach that made full implementation impossible.

Despite these concerns, Moscow acknowledged that the treaty had largely fulfilled its purpose over the years by enabling substantial reductions in strategic offensive arms and reinforcing strategic stability.

Russian said even after suspending its participation, it voluntarily continued to observe the treaty’s central numerical limits until its expiration, a move the United States also pledged to follow.

The statement further disclosed that in September 2025, President Vladimir Putin proposed extending voluntary limits on strategic weapons for at least one year beyond the treaty’s end. However, Russian authorities said the initiative received no formal response from Washington, which they described as regrettable and short-sighted.

With the treaty now expired, Russia stated that no binding commitments or reciprocal declarations remain in force.

Moscow emphasized that it would shape its future strategic arms policy based on an assessment of U.S. military posture and broader global security developments.

While warning that it is prepared to take military-technical measures to protect national security if new threats emerge, Russia reiterated its readiness to pursue diplomatic engagement aimed at stabilizing the strategic environment—provided conditions for equal and mutually beneficial dialogue are established.

Russia Declares End of Nuclear Weapons Reduction Deal With US

UK, Nigeria Deepen Digital Cooperation Through Benchmarking and Knowledge Exchange

By: Michael Mike

The United Kingdom and Nigeria have advanced their strategic partnership through a high-level international benchmarking and knowledge exchange tour focused on end-to-end clearance of IT projects and procurement of public digital products and services.

Hosted by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), through its Digital Access Programme, in collaboration with leading UK digital governance institutions, including Government Digital Service (GDS), Public Digital, Crown Commercial Service (CCS), British Standards Institute, and the FCDO Cyber Policy Department, the programme brought together senior officials from Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB), Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), for a week-long engagement in London from 23 to 28 November 2025.

The programme built on the UK–Nigeria Strategic Partnership’s pillars of economic development, governance reform, and technology cooperation, ensuring that both countries leverage digital innovation to drive inclusive growth and secured public services.

A statement on Wednesday by FCDA said for Nigeria, this engagement will inform the enhancement of NITDA’s IT Project Clearance, improve procurement efficiency, and embed global best practices in cybersecurity, digital and data governance of public digital services. This engagement reinforces the UK’s role as a trusted partner for Nigeria’s inclusive digital transformation journey as well as open access to the UK technology supply chain for the Nigerian market.

While delivering the opening remarks, Kashifu Inuwa Abduallahi, NITDA Director General represented by Dr Usman Gambo Abdulahi, the Director IT project Clearance Unit said: “At the heart of Nigeria’s reforms is our determination to improve government service delivery, reduce waste, strengthen cybersecurity, and build trust in public digital systems. Modernising the IT Projects Clearance process therefore is a key enabler to achieving this vision. I commend the UK’s FCDO through the Digital Access Programme for its consistent support to Nigeria’s digital transformation journey. I thank UK Government and its various departments for agreeing to share insights and expertise that will certainly strengthen our institutions and our nation’s governance capacity”.

The FCDO’s Director for International Science and Technology, Ros Eales, said:

“Nigeria is a key partner of the UK in the tech sector. Working with partner countries like Nigeria is to ensure that digital transformation works for all and is safe, secure, and sustainable. This becomes even more important in an era of rapid technological evolution, accelerated by AI, with all its benefits to reap and risks to manage.”

the British deputy high commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, said: “The UK is proud to stand as a key partner to Nigeria, leveraging our expertise to drive knowledge exchange in digital governance and institutional reform. This technical collaboration underscores our longstanding commitment to Nigeria’s digital transformation and to building strategic partnerships that deliver shared economic growth for both nations.”

Head of Digital Development in FCDO London, and global lead of the UK Digital Access programme (DAP), Alessandra Lustrati, presented the Digital Development Strategy 2024-2030 to the Nigerian delegation and highlighted the importance of supporting best practices in the digital transformation of government, to ensure digital services are accessible, open, and citizen-driven, within a safe and secure digital environment

UK, Nigeria Deepen Digital Cooperation Through Benchmarking and Knowledge Exchange

United Kingdom, Canada, Australia Launch Campaign Against Visa Fraud

By: Michael Mike

The Diplomatic Missions of the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia have announced the launch of a coordinated international campaign to combat visa fraud and protect people from exploitation by fraudulent immigration facilitators.

According to a statement on Monday, the #FightingVisaFraud campaign was launched during International Fraud Awareness Week (16-22 November) and represents an unprecedented level of cooperation between the three countries to tackle a shared global threat that costs victims millions of pounds annually and puts vulnerable people at risk of exploitation, financial ruin and legal consequences.

The statement read: “Visa fraud and illegal immigration facilitation have reached alarming levels globally, with criminal networks using increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive prospective visa applicants. Victims are often promised guaranteed visas, jobs without proper qualifications, or expedited processing in exchange for exorbitant fees. The reality is financial loss, visa refusals, travel bans and, in the worst cases, trafficking and exploitation.

“Our countries have identified common patterns of visa fraud affecting their immigration systems. This coordinated campaign demonstrates the three countries’ commitment to protecting legitimate visa applicants while maintaining the integrity of their immigration systems and secure borders.”

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery said: “Visa fraud destroys dreams and devastates families. Criminal facilitators prey on people’s legitimate aspirations for a better life, stealing their money and putting them at risk of serious harm. Through this joint campaign with our international partners, we are sending a clear message: use only official channels, verify all advice, and report suspicious activity. The UK welcomes legitimate visa applications through proper routes – but those who attempt fraud face serious consequences, including 10-year travel bans.”

Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Pasquale Salvaggio added: “Canada is committed to working with our international partners to combat visa fraud and protect people from exploitation. This campaign reflects our shared values and determination to maintain fair, secure immigration systems while supporting those who seek to travel, study or work through legitimate pathways.”

The statement added: Our three countries urge prospective visa applicants to: Use only official government websites for visa information and applications; Verify immigration advisers are properly registered and regulated; Be suspicious of guarantees, no one can guarantee visa approval; Watch for warning signs including demands for excessive fees, pressure to pay quickly, promises of jobs without proper qualifications, or offers to bypass standard requirements; Report suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.

The statement advised applicants seeking legitimate information to visit: www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration (United Kingdom); immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada – Canada.ca (Canada)

The statement warned that people who attempt to obtain a visa through fraudulent means face serious consequences, including visa application refusal, travel bans of up to 10 years, financial loss with no recourse, criminal charges in some jurisdictions, and exploitation and trafficking risks, noting that the three countries’ immigration authorities work closely with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute visa fraud and illegal facilitation.

United Kingdom, Canada, Australia Launch Campaign Against Visa Fraud