European Sources

VLADIMIR Putin will launch an assault on Lithuania next if he conquers Ukraine, an ex-CIA boss has warned. The caution comes as Zelensky slammed the Russian despot for “stalling peace talks” following his dismal attempts to get to the negotiating table. ReutersUkraine has accused Russia of ‘stalling’ peace’ talks after Putin’s failed attempts to get to the negotiating table[/caption] GettyAn ex-CIA boss has warned global leaders of a potential attack on Lithuania[/caption] David Petraus, a retired US general and director of the CIA, warned an attack on the Baltic state would not be an isolated event but part of a longer-term plan to test the West. Speaking at the Policy Exchange Think-Tank in London, Petraeus said Lithuania has “featured prominently” in Putin’s speeches meaning he might turn on the NATO state for his next assault. After mad Vlad has installed a “puppet leader to control all of Ukraine” there’s a strong chance he will turn his “focus on one of the Baltic states,” he added. Taking aim at Trump, he said the US had dithered too much on “individual decisions” and was giving the Russian president too many second chances – causing immeasurable losses for Ukraine. He said: “What we’ve seen is three incidences where the US President has threatened that in two weeks we’ll have to take a different approach.  “We’ll see this time what actually happens. The US also temporised far too long over individual decisions such as M1 [Abrams] tanks. “A blind man on a dark night could see it had to be the F-16 (a multi- role fighter aircraft).” Ukraine responded yesterday saying: “The Russians’ fear of sending their ‘memorandum’ to Ukraine suggests that it is likely filled with unrealistic ultimatums, and they are afraid of revealing that they are stalling the peace process.” The comments come after Trump issued Vlad with a two-week deadline for a ceasefire following Russia’s deadly attack on Ukraine earlier this week. Trump said in the Oval Office on Wednesday: “I’m very disappointed at what happened a couple of nights now where people were killed in the middle of what you would call a negotiation.” He added: “When I see rockets being shot into cities, that’s no good. We’re not going to allow it.” When asked if Putin really wants to end the war, Trump replied: “I can’t tell you that, but I’ll let you know in about two weeks. “Within two weeks. We’re gonna find out whether or not he’s tapping us along or not. “And if he is, we’ll respond a little bit differently.” One of the largest stumbling blocks which is delaying any peace deal is said to be over Putin’s desire to control his former Soviet states and keep them away from Nato. ReutersDavid Petraeus called Trump out on giving Putin too many second chances[/caption] AFPThe Russian despot says he wants assurance from NATO that it will stop expanding into countries eastward[/caption] This includes Ukraine themselves with the Kremlin always saying Kyiv gaining access to the group is a complete no go under any circumstances. Kyiv has repeatedly said that Moscow should have no say in its sovereign right to pursue Nato membership however. He declared he will only call off the war in Ukraine if the West vows to keep its hands off Russia’s prized former Soviet states. Putin even demanded he got the assurances in writing. The Russian president said he wants a “written” pledge from Western leaders to stop Nato’s expansion to countries eastward, top Russian officials revealed to Reuters. The eastward expansion refers to Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova and other former Soviet republics. Putin is reportedly preparing for a major push to take more land in the north east. Military analysts believe he is trying to press home his advantage and capture more Ukrainian land. They warn that Putin only has a “four-month window” to get a breakthrough in Ukraine this year. And this could be the beginning of Russia’s summer offensive targeting the border city of Kharkiv – the “fortress” city of Ukraine which put up the maximum resistance at the start of the invasion. Reacting to the reports, German Chancellor Freidrich Merz predicted that peace was still a long way off. He said: “Wars typically end because of economic or military exhaustion on one side or on both sides and in this war we are obviously still far from reaching that [situation]. “So we may have to prepare for a longer duration.” GettyPetraeus said Putin had often mentioned Lithuania in his speeches[/caption] GettyPutin is reportedly preparing for a major push to take more land in the north east[/caption]

THE body of a missing tourist has washed up on a popular Mexican beach as fears grow for a fellow holidaymaker who vanished alongside him. Canadian Braydon Bretzer, 31, and American Chris Ankele, 40, both disappeared after being pulled away by a strong current while swimming in notoriously dangerous waters. GoFundMeCanadian Braydon Bretzer tragically died in Mexico after going for a swim with another tourist[/caption] FacebookThe moment lifeguards rushed out to the water after finding Bretzer’s body floating above the surface[/caption] GoFundMeThe Canadian was described as a ‘very special friend, brother, son and teammate’[/caption] Authorities said the pair were last seen off Zicatela Beach in Puerto Escondido on Mexico’s southern Pacific coast. Both were caught being pulled away by the choppy waters and drifted out into the sea before vanishing without a trace, investigators said. A local Oaxaca Civil Protection unit and a team of lifeguards desperately launched a search and rescue mission but couldn’t find either of the men. Tragic footage was later recorded on Monday afternoon showing Bretzer’s body floating in the water. An emergency boat rushed out to bring the man to safety but he was pronounced dead due to drowning, according to initial reports.  Ankele’s body is yet to be recovered. Tributes to Bretzer, a former youth football coach and freelance marketing consultant, have been paid by his friends back home in Saskatoon. Graeme Bouvier said: “On the night of May 25th, we lost a very special friend, brother, son and teammate. “Braydon’s sudden passing has left a deep hole in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. “Braydon lived life to the fullest. He had a contagious energy, and a heart that made space for everyone.” A GoFundMe page has also been set up by Bouvier to help fly Bretzer’s body back home to Canada and to give his family any additional support. It has raised over $8,500 so far. The San Pedro Mixtepec mayor’s office said in a statement on Thursday evening: “Search efforts continue to determine the whereabouts of the second tourist, following the protocols established in the sea search plan. “The municipal government reiterates its commitment to addressing this emergency and maintains ongoing coordination with state and federal authorities.” Zicatela Beach is known as a bustling tourist hotspot and is popular with surfers due to its massive waves. But due to the dangerous conditions and often fast flowing waters, holidaymakers are urged not to swim for their own safety. Braydon lived life to the fullest. He had a contagious energy, and a heart that made space for everyone Graeme Bouvierclose friend of Braydon Bretzer A number of deadly trips to the beach in recent years have resulted in these warnings being constantly repeated to travellers. In April, a 22-year-old Miguel Robles drowned at the beach with his brother Benjamín Robles, 26, having to be rescued by horrified onlookers and lifeguards. And in May 2023, Romanian holidaymaker Andra Kitsu, 33, drowned despite warning flags reminding visitors to stay out of the water. Last month, another missing tourist was also found dead just days after desperately trying to save his friend from a riptide during their vacation in Mexico. Alejandro Gonzalez, 20, vanished while swimming in the ocean after he managed to save his female friend who was in difficulty. His body was found after a three-day search. A loving mum was also killed in a Mexican beach horror story after a shark tore off her leg while she lifted her five-year-old to safety. Maria Fernandez Martinez Jimenez, 26, was just 65ft from the shore when she was savaged by the beast at Melaque Beach in the state of Jalisco. GoFundMeA GoFundMe page for Bretzer has raised over $8,500 so far[/caption] GettyBeaches in Puerto Escondido are often tourist hotspots despite warnings to stay away from the water[/caption]

THE dad of disgraced murderer Oscar Pistorius says the pair hardly speak anymore as he doesn’t accept his son is a killer. Former Olympic sprinter Pistorius shot dead girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in 2013 – but father Henke believes he was “full of fear” during his trial and accepted his jail sentence. AP:Associated PressHenke Pistorius meets son Oscar as the estranged father says the pair hardly speak anymore[/caption] GettyThe disgraced runner shot his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp dead in 2013[/caption] YouTubeHenke still doesn’t accept his son is a killer[/caption] Henke has now publicly admitted in a candid interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored that his refusal to accept his son’s guilt has created a rift in their relationship. Pistorius hit Reeva, 29, with four bullets fired through the locked door of their bathroom in the early hours of Valentine’s Day 2013. After a round of appeals and challenges, Pistorius – dubbed the “Blade Runner” because of his carbon-fibre prosthetic legs – was sentenced to 13 years and five months for murder. Pistorius, a six-time six Paralympic gold medallist, has always claimed the horrific shooting was a mistake. He told the court he thought his model and law graduate partner was an intruder. The sprinter was released after nine years back in January 2024. He has since vanished from the public eye and is trying to live a quiet life alongside his rumoured new girlfriend. But Henke has now told Piers Morgan’s YouTube chat show: “I am already in trouble with Oscar as I’m sitting here, because I said too much. “We don’t [speak regularly] because he knows how I feel. To him, he’s guilty of murder because of the process that he’s gone through. “The facts just do not support a finding of guilty of murder. “I just think that he will feel later, to walk away after parole as a person guilty of manslaughter versus a person guilty of murder, two vastly big things, and Oscar is not guilty of murder.” Pistorius was initially found guilty of culpable homicide, South Africa‘s equivalent of manslaughter, in court. A year later, the Supreme Court overturned the ruling and found him guilty of murder. Henke continued: “Obviously, Oscar was full of fear. Oscar will one day tell his story. “He is, at the moment, I’m sure, very sad and very sorry about what happened. “I can’t speak for him. He will speak for himself, but what happened is not what came out of the court.” Despite being freed from prison, Pistorius remains on parole. He moved into his wealthy uncle’s £2 million Pretoria home, and now relies on him for protection. His tycoon uncle Arnold, who made his millions from property and tourism, hired armed guards with attack dogs, while his nephew lives in a cottage on the grounds. Pistorius’ sentence ends in 2029 and he is subject to certain conditions for life outside jail. These include attending therapy for anger and “gender-based violence issues”. Steenkamp family friend previously said Pistorius should not expect forgiveness and issued a stark warning to him. GettyReeva Steenkamp was killed on Valentine’s Day in 2013[/caption] ReutersPistorius leaving the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria back in 2014[/caption] PAOscar Pistorius served nine years behind bars before he was released on parole[/caption]

SUN ONLINE – FRANCE MIGRANT STORY Words by Brittany Vonow. Video by Steve Cholerton. Migrants are congregating around the port town of Ouistreham in the Normandie region of northwestern France and can regularly be seen attempting to board passing trucks as they make their way to the ferry which is bound for Portsmouth, England. Pictured: A group of migrants climb aboard a moving truck as it drives to the port. Jamie Lorriman mail@jamielorriman.co.uk www.jamielorriman.co.uk 07718 900288Jamie Lorriman - The Sun FOREIGN lorries are being plastered with stickers saying they do not go to the UK — to deter migrants from trying to sneak on board. HGV drivers who operate only in Europe put up the notices to warn there is no chance of a free ride across the Channel. Foreign lorries are trying to deter migrants from sneaking on board by using signs in both English and French One truck in Latvia — 900 miles from Calais — was spotted with the black and yellow signs declaring: “We don’t go to UK.” The warning was repeated underneath in French, amid a rise in attempted illegal lorry crossings. Other Europe-only hauliers are also using the signs on their fleets. But some migrants still sneak on board, only to find themselves still in mainland Europe when they get off. A source said: “The fact they have to tell migrants they aren’t going to the UK shows exactly how in-demand Britain is as a destination. “They know the UK gives them the best treatment and will stop at nothing to come over.” Figures show there were 5,874 detections of illegal immigrants at ports on the continent, including Calais, Dunkirk and the Channel Tunnel in Coquelles. It is a rise of 22 per cent compared with 4,794 in 2023. While migrants crossing the Channel are easily recorded, lorry stowaways may reach the UK undetected. Many go on to obtain illegal cash-in-hand work or claim asylum and be housed in a hotel. Some migrants still sneak on board despite the signsJamie Lorriman - The Sun

THIS is the dramatic moment Putin’s “war hero” who led the bloody airborne slaughter of Mariupol is killed in an apparent suicide bombing. Major Zaur Gurtsiev, 34, was blown to pieces alongside another man in the city of Stavropol, southern Russia – with officials scrambling to figure out who pushed the button. East2WestA violent red explosion killed Major Zaur Gurtsiev and his companion Nikita Penkov[/caption] East2WestThe military man tried to crawl away from the scene but died from his injuries[/caption] TelegramZaur Gurtsiev was a prominent war veteran who led the airborne assault on the Ukrainian city Mariupol[/caption] Gurtsiev was reportedly on a date with Nikita Penkov, 29, who was carrying the bomb in his bag – possibly unknowingly. CCTV footage shows Penkov sidling up behind Gurtsiev just before midnight, who is standing still on a city footpath. There is an enormous flash of fire, sparks and red light as the explosive detonates and pulverises the two men. Russian media described the incident as a “suicide bombing” in the aftermath – though there is confusion over whether Penkov was privy to the plot. The two men hooked up for a date after exchanging nude photos, according to a Telegram channel with links to the Russian secret services. The channel reported: “During the investigation, explicit correspondence was discovered, where they sent each other nude photos. “The deputy [mayor] had already invited his new acquaintance to spend time together, but each time the meeting had to be cancelled due to Gurtsiev’s business trips, until last night.” The report says that Penkov had been hired by a third party to collect intelligence on Gurtsiev, and given special equipment which could transmit live video. The kit was stowed his body bag – and fitted with explosives, the account said. These explosives were then detonated when the two were standing right next to each other – but this could have been done remotely. Gurtsiev was still alive for around five minutes after bomb went off, according to Russian outlet Shot media. The major tried to crawl away from the explosion site before succumbing to his injuries. The Russian Investigative Committee was probing the circumstances of the assassination. Putin had appointed Gurtsiev as deputy mayor of Stavropol – part of a scheme to fast-track military “heroes” into political careers. The military man notoriously spearheaded the Russian airborne operation in the battle for Ukrainian city Mariupol – when thousands of civilians were slaughtered. He was officially married to wife Nadezhda, and they had a young family. East2WestThis is the moment before the bomb goes off, with the two men standing next to eachother[/caption] East2WestNikita Penkov, 29, who was carrying the bomb that blitzed the Russian major[/caption] One local report suggested Penkov knew what he was doing – and points to the fact that he angled his bag towards the doomed major just before the explosion. Some 15 days ago he rented a flat in the block, outside which the bomb exploded. Reports said he was on a Russian black list for suspected money laundering.  Neighbours said he was “strange but polite”, and regularly used taxis.  One theory is that he was recruited by Ukrainian special services to target deputy mayor Gurtsiev. Ukrainian war journalist Denis Kazansky said: “Gurtsiev was the executioner of Mariupol and a war criminal.  “He reportedly led the airborne portion of the operation to capture the city, meaning he was responsible for the mass civilian casualties he dropped bombs on.” Nikita’s apartment was searched after the explosion. No explosives were found but a telephone and a laptop were confiscated. East2WestPenkov was carrying a bag which reportedly contained the explosives[/caption] East2WestGurtsiev was being hot-housed for a political career after receiving numerous military accolades[/caption] In the wake of the dramatic assassination, Putin repeated the tired mantra that “family values” are essential to Russia, regardless of progress elsewhere in the world. Regional governor Vladimir Vladimirov said: “All versions are being considered, including the organisation of a terrorist attack involving Nazis from Ukraine.” The Kremlin has long peddled the lie that Nazism is rife in Ukraine – and uses it to justify Russia‘s illegal invasion. As chief of the air operation in Maiupol, Gurtsiev oversaw the bloodbath bombing of the city’s theatre, where an estimated 600 people died. In Russia, he was praised for the “operation to liberate Mariupol” and his “developments in the technology of missile targeting, which allowed them to increase their accuracy and effectiveness several times, including hitting the Azov supply base”. Gurtsiev was also awarded the Order of Courage. He was handpicked to be part of Putin’s “Time for Heroes” promotion scheme parachuting war heroes – often with blood on their hands – onto the political ladder across Russia.  He also won more significant military honours from Putin, notably the Order For Merit to the Fatherland of the first degree with Swords, and both the Zhukov and Suvorov medals.