Latest news with #UKRAINIAN
The Journal
4 hours ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Zelenskyy approves new anti-corruption bill after law change sparked protests across Ukraine
UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR Zelenskyy has approved a draft bill guaranteeing the freedom of the country's anti-corruption bodies, after nationwide protests over changes curbing their independence. The changes gave the country's prosecutor general – who is appointed by the president – control of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, effectively erasing the independence of the two bodies. Critics said that this would mean that Ukraine's parliament will have the ability to control which cases are pursued. Thousands took to the streets across Ukraine to protest against the changes in what were the country's first large-scale demonstrations since Russia's invasion more than three years ago. Thousands of people protesting against a law targeting anti-corruption institutions near the President's Office in Kyiv, Ukraine on Wednesday. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo The changes also raised concerns in the EU, with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen demanding 'explanations' from Zelenskyy. With Ukraine pushing to join the bloc, the EU has said that reforms are essential for Ukraine's accession process. On Wednesday, Zelenskyy promised he would propose a new bill on anti-graft agencies to parliament. Advertisement In a statement on social media this afternoon, he said: 'I have just approved the text of a draft law that guarantees real strengthening of the rule of law in Ukraine, independence of anti-corruption bodies and reliable protection of the rule of law from any Russian influence or interference.' He said the new bill would be submitted to parliament today. I've just approved the text of a draft bill that guarantees real strengthening of Ukraine's law enforcement system, independence of anti-corruption agencies, and reliable protection of the law enforcement system against any Russian influence or interference. The text is… — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 24, 2025 'It is important that we respect the position of all Ukrainians and are grateful to everyone who stands with Ukraine,' he added. The EU has welcomed the move, adding that Kyiv has to address concerns from Brussels. 'We have seen that the Ukrainian government has taken action,' EU spokesman Stefan de Keersmaecker said. 'We welcome that action, and indeed we work with them to make sure that these concerns regarding the fight against corruption, which is an extremely important priority for us and for Ukraine as well, are indeed correctly addressed,' he added. Ukraine's two anti-corruption bodies, NABU and SAPO, were born a decade ago in the wake of the 2014 Maidan revolution. Those pro-European protests, centred on Kyiv's main square, also called Maidan, ousted a Kremlin-backed leader who scrapped a key partnership agreement with the EU. Related Reads Ukrainians take to the streets after Zelenskyy signs new law that targets anti-corruption bodies The Kremlin, which refused to accept Ukraine's democratic turn toward Europe, then launched a first assault over Ukraine that led Moscow-backed separatists to occupy Crimea and parts of the eastern Donbas region. Some fear that a political crisis over the legislation could work in Russia's favour by undermining unity within the country, which is struggling to hold the front. With reporting from © AFP 2025 Want to know more about what's happening in Ukraine and why? Check out our FactCheck Knowledge Bank for essential reads and guides to finding good information online. Visit Knowledge Bank Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
OnlyFans model left for dead after ‘Dubai Porta Potty' party breaks silence… and reveals horror aftermath of ordeal
A UKRAINIAN OnlyFans model who was left for dead after a Dubai "Porta Potty" party finally broke her silence on her horror ordeal. Maria Kovalchuk, 20, vanished for over a week in March before being discovered unconscious with horrific injuries, including a shattered spine and broken limbs. 8 OnlyFans model Maria Kovalchuk, pictured in Norway with her mother Anna Credit: East2West 8 A large scar is visible across her forehead during an interview with Russian media Credit: East2West 8 The 20-year-old was found seriously wounded in Dubai after going missing for more than a week Credit: East2West She had reportedly "fallen from a height" and was found inches from death after fleeing what some feared was a 'Porta Potty' party — a Maria is now recovering in Norway, where her mother lives, and has told her side of the story for the first time. She also revealed a prominent scar on her forehead after undergoing multiple surgeries. Speaking to Russian news outlet Ostorozhno, Novosti, the model said: 'I mostly use a wheelchair and crutches. Read more world news 'I still have a leg fracture that's healing. 'I'm learning to walk with crutches again, but for now, the wheelchair is my main means of moving around.' There were initial claims Maria had been kidnapped into a sex trafficking ring linked to the notorious 'Porta Potty' scene — disturbing events reportedly involving high-paying UAE clients who degrade women, often influencers, for large sums. But Maria has now denied any involvement of Emirati citizens in her brutal ordeal. Most read in The US Sun She instead accusing the privileged children of wealthy Russian and Ukrainian businessmen of abusing her after a wild party in a Dubai hotel. Dark side of Dubai where Brit influencers are preyed upon for sex & women are brutalised at 'porta potty' parties What are Porta Potty parties? PORTA potty parties are events, usually in the United Arab Emirates, where women are paid large amounts of money to sexually gratify wealthy men - in often highly degrading ways. It's thought that the women are sometimes duped into participating on false pretences - such as the promise of a modelling contract. At the events, men exploit the opportunity to commit depraved acts on the women. The name supposedly comes from the fact that the deeply disturbing acts can include men treating women as human toilets. Women, often from ex-Soviet countries, are lured in by the promise of a glamorous lifestyle and highly paid careers in the oil-rich states. An expert Recruiters often target attractive women with online presences, or even TV stars. Radha Stirling , f ounder and CEO of Detained in Dubai, told The Sun: "It's exploitation disguised as glamour or opportunity. Women, in particular, are offered all sorts of opportunities in Dubai. "They might be offered to come and model, to come and play music, or to expand their career in some way or another. "But what they don't realise is that when they get there, they are essentially at the beck and call of whoever has brought them there. "They're under their complete control and they put themselves in such a risky position where they could end up gang raped, they could end up drugged, they could end up dead." According to Maria, she had missed her flight to Thailand while staying at the luxury Five Jumeirah Village hotel and was offered a place to stay by a 19-year-old man she had recently met at a karaoke bar. He claimed his father could fly her out on a private jet. What began as a seemingly harmless offer allegedly spiraled into a nightmare. 'They started teasing me, why I wasn't drinking,' she said. 'Then some aggressive pushes like pushing in the shoulders began. 'After that, they started making fun of me like 'you belong to us, we will do whatever we want'.' She described how the group began smashing bottles and glass on the floor, making it impossible to move barefoot, and said they took her passport and belongings. One of the girls allegedly left the hotel wearing Maria's clothes, ignoring her pleas. She claims the men 'hinted' they wanted sex — and when she refused, things escalated. 'I did not reciprocate, and this aggression was also heating them up,' she said. Maria says she tried to escape and hid at a nearby construction site — but was tracked down, beaten, and thrown from a ledge. 8 Maria said she is recovering and on the road to being able to walk again Credit: East2West 8 Maria pictured after the attack in a hospital in Dubai Credit: East2West 8 The model accused 'Russian citizens' of beating her, throwing her from ledge and leaving her for dead Credit: East2West 'They practically tore the skin off her scalp, then threw her off a ledge onto the road,' the report states. 'I ran away… I ran to the nearest building, just scared, and ran in, hid there. It was just an unfinished building, open,' Maria recalled. She was eventually found in a hotel bathrobe by a passing driver who called an ambulance. She fell into a coma and remained unconscious for days. CCTV footage that could have shown what happened was allegedly erased after three months, Maria claims, leaving no video evidence. 'The police waited until the cameras were automatically wiped… So now there's no evidence,' she said. Dubai police are said to have detained the accused young men — briefly — but released them the following day, with the case reportedly closed. 'They now claim in their testimonies that they tried to find and help Maria and that she had asked to come to the party herself,' said her mother, Anna. 8 It was initially thought she had attended a porta potty party with local UAE men Credit: East2West 8 She suffered a broken spine and multiple fractures to her limbs Credit: East2West She slammed the official version of events as 'falsified' — including a police claim that Maria had tried to end her life. 'The [Dubai] police investigation indicated that Maria said that she was running away from sexual violence and then went to protect her honour, her dignity, decided to commit suicide,' Anna said. 'This statement was falsified.' She also rejected reports that her daughter had been intoxicated, insisting medical tests showed no alcohol in her system. Maria's mother revealed that her daughter's high-cost medical treatment in Dubai — running into the millions — was paid for by local authorities. 'I don't know how much they paid — the sum was colossal, millions,' she said. Ostorozhno, Novosti reported that in exchange, she was asked not to say "anything that would cast the Emirate's authorities in a negative light". The shocking case comes after months of speculation and media frenzy Initial reports suggested she had been lured into a disturbing sex trap, with some linking her disappearance to the dark world of elite 'Porta Potty' parties in the UAE. A source close to Maria previously said she had been abused not by Emirati men, but by 'Russian citizens who tortured Maria'. 'She was found with a broken spine, arms and legs — and unable to speak,' the insider said. One fellow model described such elite parties as involving 'rape, beatings, and mistreatment,' often under the false promise of money and fame. Before her disappearance, Maria had appeared at a Dubai event supporting jailed Russian sociologist Boris Kagarlitsky, who has been sentenced to five years for allegedly justifying terrorism. His daughter, Ksenia, previously said: 'She will be able to walk… This is all very good news. But the details will come later, when she leaves the country.' You're Not Alone EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. That is why The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: CALM, Heads Together, HUMEN Mind, Papyrus, Samaritans,
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
OnlyFans model left for dead after ‘Dubai Porta Potty' party breaks silence… and reveals horror aftermath of ordeal
Her update comes after months of speculation over her condition and whereabouts TORTURED & DUMPED OnlyFans model left for dead after 'Dubai Porta Potty' party breaks silence… and reveals horror aftermath of ordeal Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A UKRAINIAN OnlyFans model who was left for dead after a Dubai "Porta Potty" party finally broke her silence on her horror ordeal. Maria Kovalchuk, 20, vanished for over a week in March before being discovered unconscious with horrific injuries, including a shattered spine and broken limbs. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 OnlyFans model Maria Kovalchuk, pictured in Norway with her mother Anna Credit: East2West 8 A large scar is visible across her forehead during an interview with Russian media Credit: East2West 8 The 20-year-old was found seriously wounded in Dubai after going missing for more than a week Credit: East2West She had reportedly "fallen from a height" and was found inches from death after fleeing what some feared was a 'Porta Potty' party — a sordid underworld event allegedly involving the abuse of young women by the super-rich. Maria is now recovering in Norway, where her mother lives, and has told her side of the story for the first time. She also revealed a prominent scar on her forehead after undergoing multiple surgeries. Speaking to Russian news outlet Ostorozhno, Novosti, the model said: 'I mostly use a wheelchair and crutches. 'I still have a leg fracture that's healing. 'I'm learning to walk with crutches again, but for now, the wheelchair is my main means of moving around.' There were initial claims Maria had been kidnapped into a sex trafficking ring linked to the notorious 'Porta Potty' scene — disturbing events reportedly involving high-paying UAE clients who degrade women, often influencers, for large sums. But Maria has now denied any involvement of Emirati citizens in her brutal ordeal. She instead accusing the privileged children of wealthy Russian and Ukrainian businessmen of abusing her after a wild party in a Dubai hotel. Dark side of Dubai where Brit influencers are preyed upon for sex & women are brutalised at 'porta potty' parties What are Porta Potty parties? PORTA potty parties are events, usually in the United Arab Emirates, where women are paid large amounts of money to sexually gratify wealthy men - in often highly degrading ways. It's thought that the women are sometimes duped into participating on false pretences - such as the promise of a modelling contract. At the events, men exploit the opportunity to commit depraved acts on the women. The name supposedly comes from the fact that the deeply disturbing acts can include men treating women as human toilets. Women, often from ex-Soviet countries, are lured in by the promise of a glamorous lifestyle and highly paid careers in the oil-rich states. An expert told The Sun that, once in the country, they fall under the complete control of the men and can be raped, drugged or even end up dead. Recruiters often target attractive women with online presences, or even TV stars. Radha Stirling, founder and CEO of Detained in Dubai, told The Sun: "It's exploitation disguised as glamour or opportunity. Women, in particular, are offered all sorts of opportunities in Dubai. "They might be offered to come and model, to come and play music, or to expand their career in some way or another. "But what they don't realise is that when they get there, they are essentially at the beck and call of whoever has brought them there. "They're under their complete control and they put themselves in such a risky position where they could end up gang raped, they could end up drugged, they could end up dead." According to Maria, she had missed her flight to Thailand while staying at the luxury Five Jumeirah Village hotel and was offered a place to stay by a 19-year-old man she had recently met at a karaoke bar. He claimed his father could fly her out on a private jet. What began as a seemingly harmless offer allegedly spiraled into a nightmare. 'They started teasing me, why I wasn't drinking,' she said. 'Then some aggressive pushes like pushing in the shoulders began. 'After that, they started making fun of me like 'you belong to us, we will do whatever we want'.' She described how the group began smashing bottles and glass on the floor, making it impossible to move barefoot, and said they took her passport and belongings. One of the girls allegedly left the hotel wearing Maria's clothes, ignoring her pleas. She claims the men 'hinted' they wanted sex — and when she refused, things escalated. 'I did not reciprocate, and this aggression was also heating them up,' she said. Maria says she tried to escape and hid at a nearby construction site — but was tracked down, beaten, and thrown from a ledge. 8 Maria said she is recovering and on the road to being able to walk again Credit: East2West 8 Maria pictured after the attack in a hospital in Dubai Credit: East2West 8 The model accused 'Russian citizens' of beating her, throwing her from ledge and leaving her for dead Credit: East2West 'They practically tore the skin off her scalp, then threw her off a ledge onto the road,' the report states. 'I ran away… I ran to the nearest building, just scared, and ran in, hid there. It was just an unfinished building, open,' Maria recalled. She was eventually found in a hotel bathrobe by a passing driver who called an ambulance. She fell into a coma and remained unconscious for days. CCTV footage that could have shown what happened was allegedly erased after three months, Maria claims, leaving no video evidence. 'The police waited until the cameras were automatically wiped… So now there's no evidence,' she said. Dubai police are said to have detained the accused young men — briefly — but released them the following day, with the case reportedly closed. 'They now claim in their testimonies that they tried to find and help Maria and that she had asked to come to the party herself,' said her mother, Anna. 8 It was initially thought she had attended a porta potty party with local UAE men Credit: East2West 8 She suffered a broken spine and multiple fractures to her limbs Credit: East2West She slammed the official version of events as 'falsified' — including a police claim that Maria had tried to end her life. 'The [Dubai] police investigation indicated that Maria said that she was running away from sexual violence and then went to protect her honour, her dignity, decided to commit suicide,' Anna said. 'This statement was falsified.' She also rejected reports that her daughter had been intoxicated, insisting medical tests showed no alcohol in her system. Maria's mother revealed that her daughter's high-cost medical treatment in Dubai — running into the millions — was paid for by local authorities. 'I don't know how much they paid — the sum was colossal, millions,' she said. Ostorozhno, Novosti reported that in exchange, she was asked not to say "anything that would cast the Emirate's authorities in a negative light". The shocking case comes after months of speculation and media frenzy over Maria's condition and whereabouts. Initial reports suggested she had been lured into a disturbing sex trap, with some linking her disappearance to the dark world of elite 'Porta Potty' parties in the UAE. A source close to Maria previously said she had been abused not by Emirati men, but by 'Russian citizens who tortured Maria'. 'She was found with a broken spine, arms and legs — and unable to speak,' the insider said. One fellow model described such elite parties as involving 'rape, beatings, and mistreatment,' often under the false promise of money and fame. Before her disappearance, Maria had appeared at a Dubai event supporting jailed Russian sociologist Boris Kagarlitsky, who has been sentenced to five years for allegedly justifying terrorism. His daughter, Ksenia, previously said: 'She will be able to walk… This is all very good news. But the details will come later, when she leaves the country.'
India Today
14-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Ukraine welcomes US weapons aid; Russia dismisses Trump's sanctions threats
Ukrainian leaders have welcomed US President Donald Trump's announcement that the United States will send more military equipment to Ukraine. Trump made this promise during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House. The package includes Patriot air defence systems and interceptor missiles, which will be paid for by European said the new Patriot systems would arrive in Ukraine within a few days. These advanced air defence systems are considered crucial in protecting Ukraine from ongoing Russian missile attacks. Ukraine currently has only six working Patriot batteries, so this additional support is expected to help strengthen its officials in Kyiv said the relationship between the US and Ukraine had improved after a tense meeting earlier this year between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Trump. However, a former Ukrainian military officer expressed doubt that the new weapons or the threat of sanctions would influence Moscow. "It's not enough to stop the fighting or scare the Kremlin," the officer reportedly UKRAINIAN VOICES STILL SKEPTICALDespite the support, not everyone in Ukraine believes Trump's actions are helpful. Mariana Bezuhla, an independent member of parliament and a strong critic of Zelenskyy's military leadership, said Trump's announcement was just a political "game."She posted online, "Trump gave Putin another 50 days to seize Ukraine," referring to Trump's 50-day deadline before the proposed US sanctions on Russia would take effect. Mentioning eastern Ukrainian cities under Russian attack, she added sarcastically, "Well, then, let's see carte blanche, so to speak. To the Dnipro or Kramatorsk – everything is so appetising."Many Ukrainians were also upset that it took nearly six months for the Trump administration to approve large-scale military help. Last week, Russian forces launched a seven-hour airstrike on Kyiv, killing two people and sending over 700 drones and missiles across the SHRUGS OFF SANCTIONS THREATMeanwhile, Russian officials appeared unimpressed by Trump's threat to impose economic sanctions if Russia continues its invasion. Many described the warning as Kosachev, a top Russian lawmaker, wrote on Telegram, "A lot can change in 50 days – on the battlefield and in the mindset of those in power, both in the US and in NATO." He added that Trump's message was nothing more than "hot air."Yuri Podolyaka, a pro-Kremlin military blogger, also mocked Trump's warning. He said Trump might change his mind "several times in the next 50 days."Earlier, Russian media had feared that Trump might approve long-range missiles that could reach deep into Russia.- EndsWith inputs from Agencies
The Sun
11-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Zelenskiy discusses war supplies, Russia sanctions with US lawmakers
UKRAINIAN President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he had discussed improved air defences and intensified sanctions against Russia with two U.S. lawmakers who are backing a bill to impose tougher punitive measures against Moscow. Zelenskiy, writing early on Friday on Telegram, said he had met Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut in Rome in conjunction with international meetings on Ukraine. 'Right now, our priority is strengthening air defences. Russia wants to move on to using 1,000 drones in the space of a single attack,' Zelenskiy wrote. 'It is therefore important to boost defences, particularly to invest in interceptor drones. We spoke about continuing supplies from the United States and joint weapons production.' Ukraine, he said, was ready to work together with Europe to buy 'large U.S. Defence packages to protect lives'. On Thursday, Zelenskiy said Ukraine had received all necessary political signals for U.S. military aid to resume after a pause last week. He also said that Ukraine had reached agreement with Germany for Berlin to buy two Patriot missile interceptor systems and an accord for Norway to pay for one system. Russia has been intensifying attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, with Zelenskiy saying Moscow had deployed around 400 drones and 18 missiles on Wednesday night, primarily targeting the capital. The previous night, Russian forces launched a record 728 drones at Ukraine. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he had approved sending U.S. defensive weapons to Ukraine and was considering additional sanctions on Moscow, underscoring his frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the failure to make progress on solving Russia's war with Ukraine. Zelenskiy discussed U.S. weapons supplies in Rome on Wednesday with Trump's Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg. In his comments on Telegram, Zelenskiy said that, together with Graham and Blumenthal, he had discussed the legislation on tougher sanctions against Russia 'and those who support it in the war'. 'Undoubtedly, this is precisely the lever that can bring peace closer and make diplomacy worthwhile,' he wrote. The bill calls for a 500% tariff on goods imported from countries that continue to buy Russian oil, gas, uranium and other exports.
