Donald Trump has announced a multi-billion-pound aid package aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. As part of this initiative, Ukraine will receive a significant shipment of advanced weapons, including 17 Patriot missile systems. This move follows Trump’s recent statements emphasizing the urgency for a peace deal with Russia, warning President Vladimir Putin that he has just 50 days to negotiate or face substantial tariffs.

The announcement marks a notable shift in Trump’s stance towards Ukraine. While previously perceived as sympathetic to Putin, the former president’s latest actions indicate a willingness to support Ukraine amid its ongoing struggle against Russian forces. In a recent conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump expressed his commitment to assist in Ukraine’s defense efforts.

Details of the Aid Package

The aid package is designed to facilitate the transfer of military resources to Ukraine, allowing the United States to provide more firepower while alleviating financial pressures on Washington. The timing is critical, as Russian forces are currently engaged in an aggressive summer offensive, seeking to reclaim territory held by Ukrainian defenders.

Trump’s strategy not only involves the direct provision of weaponry but also includes potential financial penalties aimed at incentivizing a ceasefire. He has suggested that if a peace agreement is not reached within the next 50 days, Russia could face tariffs of up to 100%. This dual approach is intended to strengthen Ukraine’s position in negotiations while simultaneously applying pressure on Russia.

Collaboration with NATO Allies

The United States plans to sell Patriot missile batteries and other defense systems to various European allies, who will then transfer these assets to Ukraine. During a joint appearance with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump stated, “We’re going to supply weapons to NATO at a large amount.” Countries such as Britain, Germany, Finland, Canada, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark are among those expected to play vital roles in supplying Ukraine with necessary military equipment.

Zelensky expressed gratitude for the support, highlighting a significant improvement in relations since their earlier interactions earlier this year. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he remarked, “I spoke with POTUS. It was a very good conversation. Thank you for the willingness to support Ukraine and to continue working together to stop the killings and establish a lasting and just peace.”

Zelensky emphasized the importance of collaboration among NATO members to enhance defense spending and improve Ukraine’s capacity to defend itself. He noted, “We discussed the necessary means and solutions with the President to provide better protection for people from Russian attacks and to strengthen our positions.”

As the situation continues to unfold, both leaders have agreed to maintain regular communication to coordinate future steps in their partnership. The developments signal a renewed commitment from the United States to support Ukraine in its defense against ongoing Russian aggression.

Fauja Singh, a renowned British marathon runner and believed to be the oldest athlete to complete a marathon, died at the age of 114 following a road accident in his birth village of Beas Pind, near Jalandhar in Punjab. Reports indicate that he was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross the road on Monday.

His running club and charity, Sikhs In The City, based in London, confirmed his passing and announced that upcoming events in Ilford would serve as a celebration of his remarkable life and achievements. Singh, who had resided in Ilford since 1992, broke multiple records for marathon times across various age brackets, becoming an inspiration to many athletes by continuing to run marathons past the age of 100.

Born on April 1, 1911, in Punjab during British rule, Singh was the youngest of four children in a farming family. Despite facing physical challenges in his early years, including weak legs that delayed his ability to walk until the age of five, Singh’s journey into running began later in life. After the death of his wife, Gian Kaur, he moved to England with his son, where he discovered his passion for running at the age of 89.

Singh gained fame in 2000 when he completed his first marathon in London, finishing in six hours and 54 minutes, which set a record for the 90-plus age category by a significant margin. He continued to break records, achieving a personal best of five hours and 40 minutes at the 2003 Toronto Waterfront Marathon. On October 16, 2011, he is believed to have become the first centenarian to complete a marathon, a feat that, while celebrated, could not be officially recognized by Guinness World Records due to the absence of a birth certificate.

Singh’s remarkable story drew international attention, and he was honored as a torchbearer for the London 2012 Olympics. He officially retired from running at the age of 101, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire people around the globe.

Harmander Singh, his coach at Sikhs In The City, expressed his sorrow in a statement: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm our icon of humanity and powerhouse of positivity, Fauja Singh, has passed away in India. He succumbed to injuries caused by a vehicle accident while crossing the road close to his home.” The running club plans to dedicate all events leading up to the Fauja Singh Birthday Challenge on March 29, 2026, to honor his life and legacy.

Preet Kaur Gill, MP, shared her condolences on social media, saying, “Saddened to hear about the passing of Fauja Singh. I had the honour of meeting him. A truly inspiring man. His discipline, simple living, and deep humility left a lasting mark on me.” Similarly, Jas Athwal, another MP, called Singh a “legendary” figure and a global Sikh icon who inspired millions worldwide.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged for the Fauja Singh Clubhouse Appeal, which aims to carry on his legacy by promoting fitness and positivity. Donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/f/fauja-singh-clubhouse-appeal. Singh’s life story serves as a reminder that resilience and determination can defy age, inspiring future generations to pursue their passions regardless of the obstacles they face.

The women’s handball team OTP Group Budućnost has officially begun preparations for the upcoming season, set to open on the first weekend in September with the prestigious Liga šampiona. This will mark the 30th appearance for the highly successful Montenegrin club in this elite competition.

Changes in the team lineup have been minimal compared to last season, with three new signings joining the squad. Among them is Itana Grbić, a Montenegrin international who will assume the role of captain. Joining her are Polish player Dagmara Nocunj, who will play as a left winger, and Senegalese athlete Ava Ndiaj, who will fill the pivot position.

At the first training session held in Podgorica, head coach Bojana Popović had a total of 16 players at her disposal. It is anticipated that Elena Mitrović and Anđela Guberinić will join the team after the conclusion of the European Championship for players under 19.

In terms of player fitness, right back Tanja Ivanović is returning to training after a break due to back issues. Meanwhile, middle back Nina Ramusović will follow a special program as she recovers from her anterior cruciate ligament surgery.

The team plans to conduct the initial part of their preparations in Pljevlja for ten days, starting this Wednesday. Coach Popović expressed confidence in the team’s readiness, stating, “We have almost two months until the start of the new season in the Liga šampiona, giving us enough time to prepare for what awaits us from the first weekend in September. The changes in our squad have been minimal, except for the left winger and pivot positions, while Itana Grbić is expected to be our biggest reinforcement and team leader.”

Following their time in Pljevlja, the team will travel to Zagreb for further training and a friendly match against Lokomotiva. Subsequently, they will compete against Turinger in Germany. The preparations will culminate in a tournament in Skopje, where they will face champions from North Macedonia and Serbia, just before the Liga šampiona begins.

Popović highlighted the importance of keeping all players healthy during training. She noted, “The return of those who have been on hiatus due to injuries will provide us with the opportunity for quality training. We also have a favorable schedule in the Liga šampiona, starting with a home game against Debrecin, which will allow more time for recovery and preparation for subsequent matches following taxing travel.”

The OTP Group Budućnost roster for the 2025/26 season will include goalkeepers Armel Atingre, Marija Marsenić, and Andrea Škerović. The squad will also feature left wingers Dagmara Nocunj and Nađa Kadović, right wingers Nina Bulatović and Dunja Radević, pivots Ivana Godeč, Anđela Guberinić, and Ava Ndiaj, left backs Jelena Radivojević and Nina Ramusović, middle backs Itana Grbić, Mari Plamenova Tomova, Nikolina Marković, and Elena Mitrović, and right backs Tanja Ivanović and Jelena Vukčević.

Supporting the coaching staff are assistant coach Maja Savić, goalkeeping coach Novak Ristović, and fitness coach Milivoje Đurđić. As the team embarks on this new chapter, the focus remains on building a cohesive unit ready to compete at the highest level.

Emirates airline is broadening its global reach beyond its primary hub in Dubai through strategic partnerships and codeshare agreements. Currently, the airline boasts a network that connects nearly 1,800 cities worldwide, facilitated by **164 interline, codeshare, and intermodal partners**. Key collaborations with airlines such as **Qantas**, **United Airlines**, and **Air Canada** enhance its service offerings, especially given the absence of narrowbody aircraft in Emirates’ fleet.

The past year has seen Emirates launch **11 new partnerships**, with recent agreements with **Condor** and **Air Seychelles** highlighted for their significance. These alliances are designed to provide customers with greater travel options and seamless connections, thereby enhancing the overall travel experience.

Expansion Beyond Dubai

Dubai International Airport (DXB) serves as the operational headquarters for Emirates, where the airline runs over **3,600 flights each week** from its Terminal 3, recognized as the world’s largest airport terminal by floor area. Despite its dominance in the Dubai aviation market, criticism has emerged regarding the airline’s perceived advantage over competitors, prompting calls from other airlines to reconsider open-skies policies with the UAE.

Founded in **March 1985** under the auspices of Dubai’s ruler, **Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum**, Emirates has consistently added flights, pushing the airport’s capacity to its limits. In **March 2025**, the airline plans to introduce new routes to **Shenzhen** (China), **Da Nang** (Vietnam), and **Siem Reap** (Cambodia), increasing its total destinations in Asia and the Pacific to **49**.

Strategic Partnerships with Condor and Air Seychelles

Emirates is set to activate a reciprocal codeshare partnership with **Condor** for the **2025 summer season**. This collaboration will offer Emirates customers access to **11 new destinations** in Germany, including **Frankfurt**, **Düsseldorf**, and **Hamburg**, as well as vacation spots like **Palma de Mallorca** and **Cancun**. Condor customers will benefit from connectivity to popular Emirates destinations such as **Bali**, **the Maldives**, and **Cape Town**. The integration allows for hassle-free booking through both airlines’ websites and major global distribution systems.

The collaboration with **Air Seychelles** is also noteworthy, as it introduces seamless connectivity for Emirates customers traveling from **Mahé** to **Praslin Island**. This arrangement simplifies travel logistics with a single ticketing system and competitive pricing. **Sandy Benoiton**, CEO of Air Seychelles, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “This codeshare agreement not only simplifies travel for our customers but also showcases our commitment to making Seychelles more accessible to travelers from around the world.” **Adnan Kazim**, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the benefits of increased connectivity to popular destinations.

Emirates’ strategy also includes expanding its network through **fifth freedom flights**, which allow the airline to offer services that do not originate or terminate in the UAE. These routes enable non-Middle Eastern customers to experience Emirates’ renowned services, including its fleet of **A380s**. Notable fifth freedom flights include the **Sydney-Christchurch** and **Melbourne-Singapore** routes, among others, catering to diverse passenger needs.

Future Developments and Financial Success

Looking forward, Emirates is preparing for a significant shift in its operations. **Paul Griffiths**, CEO of Dubai Airports, announced plans to transition operations to **Dubai World Central (DWC)**, a move necessitated by the constraints of expanding at DXB. This new mega-hub aims to accommodate an ambitious target of **260 million passengers**, a substantial increase over the current capacity. The projected cost for this expansion is estimated at **$35 billion**, with completion not expected until **2034**.

Despite these upcoming changes, Emirates continues to thrive financially. The airline has been recognized as the **world’s most profitable airline**, generating **$4.7 billion** in annual profits, significantly outpacing competitors like **Singapore Airlines**. This robust financial performance is supported by a total revenue of **$33 billion** and a profit margin of **14.24%**.

In addition to expanding its route network, Emirates is also venturing into the digital economy. On **July 9, 2023**, the airline announced a preliminary agreement with **Crypto.com** to facilitate cryptocurrency payments for Emirates flights, targeting a tech-savvy customer base. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader goal of becoming a hub for cryptocurrency enterprises.

As Emirates strategically enhances its global presence and prepares for future developments, it remains a dominant player in the aviation industry, balancing its commitment to Dubai with innovative approaches to customer service and connectivity.