Russia says it has detained a suspect in the bombing that killed a senior general

(AP) — Russia’s security service says it has detained a citizen from Uzbekistan in the bombing that killed a senior general as he left his Moscow apartment — a bold assassination that was claimed by Ukraine’s security service. Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov was killed Tuesday by a bomb hidden on an electric scooter outside his apartment building, a day after Ukraine’s security service leveled criminal charges against him. His assistant, Ilya Polikarpov, also was killed. Russia’s Federal Security Service says the suspect said he was recruited by Ukraine’s security service and promised $100,000 and resettlement in a European Union country. The Associated Press couldn’t confirm the conditions under which the suspect spoke to the FSB.

France’s highest court upholds corruption conviction of former President Sarkozy

PARIS (AP) — France’s highest court has upheld an appeal court decision which had found former President Nicolas Sarkozy guilty of corruption and influence peddling. The Court of Cassation said “the convictions and sentences are therefore final.” Sarkozy, who faces one year in prison, is entitled to ask to be detained at home with an electronic bracelet — as is the case for any sentence of two years or less. He was found guilty of corruption and influence peddling by both a Paris court in 2021 and an appeals court in 2023 for trying to bribe a magistrate in exchange for information about a legal case in which he was implicated. Sarkozy said “I will assume my responsibilities and face all the consequences” in a statement released on X.

State governor: Several children killed in stampede at a holiday fair event in Nigeria

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Several children have died following a stampede during a school holiday fair in Nigeria. Authorities said the incident happened Wednesday at the Islamic High School, in Basorun, Oyo State. Seyi Makinde, the state governor, said security forces have arrested the event organizers. Children injured at the venue were treated at local hospitals where parents were asked to check for missing persons. Local media identified the event organizers as a local foundation which ran a similar fair last year.

Rescuers dig for survivors of Vanuatu earthquake with no water, unclear death toll

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Vanuatu’s capital is without water after reservoirs were destroyed by a violent magnitude 7.3 earthquake that wrought havoc on the South Pacific island nation. Rescuers frantically dug through the rubble of collapsed buildings after the quake hit on Tuesday afternoon. The government said Wednesday that there were 14 confirmed deaths but later said that nine had been verified by the main hospital. Two of those killed were Chinese nationals, according to China’s official Xinhua News Agency, The number of people killed and injured is expected to rise. The seaport is closed and commercial flights are not landing. Water is out for much of Port Vila.