Latest news with #Mikhail
The Sun
29-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Ukraine and Belarus hackers disrupt Aeroflot flights in cyberattack
MOSCOW: Ukrainian and Belarusian hacker groups have claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on Russia's national airline Aeroflot, causing significant flight disruptions. The attack, which targeted Aeroflot's IT systems, led to the grounding of at least 64 flights on Monday and the cancellation of 14 more scheduled for Tuesday. Russia's state prosecutor's office confirmed the incident as a 'hacking attack,' launching a criminal investigation. Aeroflot described the issue as a 'breakdown in the IT system,' though passengers reported widespread cancellations. 'We've already arrived at the airport and found out that the flight has been cancelled,' said Mikhail, a stranded traveler at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport. 'This is not the first flight cancelled in July for us. It's sad, it's impossible to plan business trips.' The Ukrainian hacking group Silent Crow and Belarusian Cyber Partisans jointly claimed responsibility. 'We announce the successful completion of a long-term and large-scale operation that resulted in the complete compromise and destruction of the internal IT infrastructure of Aeroflot,' they stated. Cyber Partisans highlighted weak security measures, alleging that Aeroflot's CEO Sergei Alexandrovsky had not updated his password since 2022. The group also accused the airline of relying on outdated software, including Windows XP and Windows 2003. The hackers suggested they might release personal data of Aeroflot passengers, though Russia's cybersecurity watchdog Roskomnadzor has not confirmed any breach. Aeroflot assured passengers that it was 'working to restore normal operation as quickly as possible,' noting that most flights remained on schedule. The Kremlin expressed concern, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating, 'We will, of course, clarify the information and wait for an appropriate explanation.' The incident adds to growing tensions over cyberwarfare, with Ukraine and its allies accusing Russia of state-backed hacking campaigns. Earlier this month, Europol dismantled a pro-Russian hacking group linked to thousands of attacks against Ukraine and its supporters. - AFP
IOL News
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Mikhail Ajam: the journey of a young figure skater in search of the right partner
Mikhail Ajam on skating, self-discovery, and the space between seasons Image: Supplied For most competitive figure skaters, a year without competition might seem like a setback. However, for Cape Town student Mikhail Ajam, the past season has taught him patience, perspective, and the often-unspoken challenges of finding the right partner in ice dance. At eight years old, Mikhail's first experience on the ice came during a birthday party. He wanted to try hockey but was advised to learn to skate first. He joined the Junior Blades Figure Skating Club and quickly fell in love with the precision and discipline of figure skating. 'There was something about the technique that just stuck with me,' he said. From singles skating to synchro and eventually ice dance, his journey has never followed a straight line. 'I was playing catch-up for years,' he reflected, pointing to struggles with his axel jump and a late start compared to many peers. 'But when ice dance was introduced, something clicked. It became my discipline.' His love for performance came early. 'Matthew Samuels was my role model. His programs weren't just technical but entertaining as well. That's what I wanted my skating to be.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Mikhail and Matthew, his brother Image: Supplied While Mikhail went on to compete at the Junior Grand Prix and represented South Africa internationally, this past season brought a different kind of challenge: being partnerless. 'It's not something people talk about often,' he said. 'But finding the right partner in ice dance is incredibly difficult. You need physical compatibility such as height, strength, and stamina. However, you also need mental alignment, shared goals, communication, and trust. Chemistry matters. And you only really know if it's there after hours on the ice together.' Mikhail explained that it has also become harder, as more female skaters are opting for solo dance. 'There's this perception that boys get to choose. But that's changing. With solo dance becoming more popular, and eventually being recognised at ISU level, girls don't need to wait for a partner anymore. That means the pool is shrinking. For someone like me, it adds pressure to find the right fit and soon.' Still, he remained hopeful and focused. 'My biggest goal right now is to form a strong, compatible partnership. From there, I want to qualify for Nationals, return to the Grand Prix circuit, and ultimately compete at Worlds, Four Continents, and even the Olympics.' Off the ice, Mikhail is equally thoughtful. Living with ADHD and General Anxiety Disorder, he's learned to embrace what once made him feel different. 'For a long time, I was scared people would judge me. But I realised I can't hide who I am. Music helps me manage the noise in my head, and skating gives me purpose.' He also jokes that he doesn't really have a personal life: 'While my friends party, I go to bed early. But it's a choice. I do find time to see friends and family, but skating comes first.' Looking ahead, his ambitions are clear but so is his sense of self. 'Skating has taught me to be more adaptive, to train smarter, and to find the artist inside me. It's more than a sport. It's part of who I am.' And his message to younger dancers still searching for the right partner? 'Don't force it. If something feels off, trust your gut. You have to be able to rely on your partner, not just on the ice, but everywhere you go. Find someone who shares your vision and values. That connection is everything.'
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Munawar Faruqui's son rushed to hospital. Wife Mehzabeen cautions parents: ‘Keep an eye on…'
Stand-up comic and reality TV personality Munawar Faruqui , along with his wife, Mehzabeen, are navigating an emotionally exhausting phase as Munawar's son, Mikhail, has been admitted to a hospital due to a viral infection. The child, who is just seven years old, is currently under medical care, and Mehzabeen has been constantly at his side. In a recent update through her Instagram Stories, Mehzabeen urged parents to maintain good hygiene practices for their children to prevent such illnesses. She shared the circumstances that led to Mikhail's hospitalisation, making a heartfelt appeal to fellow parents to stay alert during the ongoing wave of viral infections. Emotional Photos from the Hospital Shared by Mehzabeen To provide a glimpse into their current struggle, Mehzabeen uploaded two poignant photographs of Mikhail from the hospital on her Instagram handle. In one image, Mikhail is shown leaning on Mehzabeen's chest, appearing tired and visibly unwell. Another picture showed the little boy holding his stepmother's hand, while a bandage on his own hand suggested he had undergone a medical procedure—possibly an injection or IV treatment. These images conveyed both the severity of the child's condition and the emotional toll it has taken on the family. Alongside the pictures, Mehzabeen included a message, urging all parents to be vigilant about their children's cleanliness, especially during periods of widespread infections. "With the viral infections going around, let's be extra cautious. Keep an eye on your kids' hygiene and take care! Get well soon, my baby boy...." she wrote. Mehzabeen's Devotion and Parental Advice In another Instagram update, Mehzabeen posted a fresh photograph with Mikhail, showing her continued presence at his side. Her prayers for her stepson's swift recovery reflected her maternal affection and personal anguish. For any parent, seeing their child confined to a hospital bed is one of the most painful experiences imaginable. While Mehzabeen expressed her emotions and advice openly through social media, Munawar chose not to repost or comment on her stories. Nonetheless, the couple is united in their concern for Mikhail's well-being. Mehzabeen's posts weren't just personal—they also served as a broader reminder to parents to adopt preventive measures against infections. Mikhail's Background and Family Dynamics Mikhail is Munawar's son from his previous marriage to Jasmine. Despite not being his biological mother, Mehzabeen has embraced Mikhail as her own, demonstrating immense love and commitment. During a prior interview with filmmaker Farah Khan on her YouTube channel, Munawar had spoken about a moment when his son was leaving, saying that it was then he truly understood his role and emotions as a father. Interestingly, Mehzabeen also has a 10-year-old daughter named Samaira from a past relationship. The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony in May 2024, and reports suggest that actress Hina Khan was instrumental in bringing them together. Who Is Mehzabeen? Professionally, Mehzabeen Coatwala is a makeup artist known for working with prominent figures from the entertainment industry. Her clientele includes Bollywood actors R. Madhavan and Varun Dhawan, as well as Dhanashree Verma, who is married to cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal. Her Instagram bio mentions that she divides her time between Dubai and Mumbai. With a following of over 29,000 people on Instagram, she has built a notable presence in the beauty industry. Like Munawar, this is also Mehzabeen's second marriage, as confirmed by a report from India Times.
eNCA
08-07-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
Kyiv, Moscow residents baffled by Trump's wavers on Ukraine aid
The US President Donald Trump's announcement to send "more weapons" to Ukraine in a U-turn from last week's decision to halt some aid to the war-torn country left residents of Kyiv and Moscow bemused. Moscow first revelled in the move to pause the support -- only to warn on Tuesday that sending arms to Ukraine served to prolong the conflict. In Kyiv, the move to freeze shipments prompted fears for US-made air-defence systems, crucial for shielding Ukraine's cities from Russian daily drone and missile attacks. On Tuesday, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's senior advisor Mykhailo Podolyak said Trump's latest move "was expected, as it aligns with the core strategic interests of the United States". But for Kyiv resident Valentyna Minakova, the US president's sudden change of mind was not a reason to rejoice. "He says one thing today and another tomorrow," the 58-year-old told AFP, adding: "We can't count on him at all, absolutely not." "But let's hope that he will give us something. At least what we need for air defence, to protect our civilian population," Minakova, unemployed, said. The sentiment was shared by Vira Tykhonenko, a 50-year-old retail worker. "I'll tell you one thing: I don't trust him. I didn't trust him during his first term, and now even less so," she said. AFP | SERGEY BOBOK "Because everything he says doesn't match his actions," Tyhonenko told AFP. Similar as for student Egor Kyryukhin, Trump's reversal on weapons shipments to Ukraine was too early to celebrate. "I'd wait until he actually delivers them," the 20-year-old told AFP. "Trump makes a lot of statements, different ones," Kyryukhin said. - 'He's crazy' - In Moscow, many residents AFP spoke to also shrugged away Trump's latest statements on Ukraine. "This person is mentally unstable, in my opinion," said Ekaterina, a 56-year-old Russian teacher who declined to give her full name. Trump "makes impulsive decisions, and this harms the whole world and prolongs the situation, leads it to a dead end," she added, echoing earlier statements from the Kremlin. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, quoted by Russian state media, said it was "obvious of course that these actions probably do not align with attempts to promote a peaceful resolution." For 23-year-old Mikhail, who works in marketing, Trump's decisions "delay the end" of the over three-year conflict. "I think nothing will change. In general, he's crazy... That's why it neither disappointed me nor surprised me," he told AFP. "I don't know at all when it will all end," Mikhail added. "It was supposed to be three days, but it's been going on for three years." burs/asy/giv
Nahar Net
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Nahar Net
Kyiv, Moscow residents baffled by Trump's wavers on Ukraine aid
by Naharnet Newsdesk 08 July 2025, 18:10 The U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement to send "more weapons" to Ukraine in a U-turn from last week's decision to halt some aid to the war-torn country left residents of Kyiv and Moscow bemused. Moscow first reveled in the move to pause the support -- only to warn on Tuesday that sending arms to Ukraine served to prolong the conflict. In Kyiv, the move to freeze shipments prompted fears for U.S.-made air-defense systems, crucial for shielding Ukraine's cities from Russian daily drone and missile attacks. On Tuesday, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's senior advisor Mykhailo Podolyak said Trump's latest move "was expected, as it aligns with the core strategic interests of the United States." But for Kyiv resident Valentyna Minakova, the U.S. president's sudden change of mind was not a reason to rejoice. "He says one thing today and another tomorrow," the 58-year-old told AFP, adding: "We can't count on him at all, absolutely not." "But let's hope that he will give us something. At least what we need for air defense, to protect our civilian population," Minakova, unemployed, said. The sentiment was shared by Vira Tykhonenko, a 50-year-old retail worker. "I'll tell you one thing: I don't trust him. I didn't trust him during his first term, and now even less so," she said. "Because everything he says doesn't match his actions," Tyhonenko told AFP. Similar as for student Egor Kyryukhin, Trump's reversal on weapons shipments to Ukraine was too early to celebrate. "I'd wait until he actually delivers them," the 20-year-old told AFP. "Trump makes a lot of statements, different ones," Kyryukhin said. - 'He's crazy' - In Moscow, many residents AFP spoke to also shrugged away Trump's latest statements on Ukraine. "This person is mentally unstable, in my opinion," said Ekaterina, a 56-year-old Russian teacher who declined to give her full name. Trump "makes impulsive decisions, and this harms the whole world and prolongs the situation, leads it to a dead end," she added, echoing earlier statements from the Kremlin. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, quoted by Russian state media, said it was "obvious of course that these actions probably do not align with attempts to promote a peaceful resolution." For 23-year-old Mikhail, who works in marketing, Trump's decisions "delay the end" of the over three-year conflict. "I think nothing will change. In general, he's crazy... That's why it neither disappointed me nor surprised me," he told AFP. "I don't know at all when it will all end," Mikhail added. "It was supposed to be three days, but it's been going on for three years."
