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Britain urges 'caution' with Russia after Kherson loss

British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has said Russia will be worried and disappointed by the loss of a strategically key city in the south of Ukraine, and warned it may mean "more cannon fodder" is on the way.
He urged "caution" when considering the jubilant scenes on the streets of Kherson, as Ukrainians celebrated Moscow's withdrawal from the only regional capital captured by Russian President Vladimir Putin's army during the invasion to date.
"History will remind you that Russia can be brutal to their own," he said.
"If they need more cannon fodder, that is what they'll be doing."
It comes as British defence experts warned Moscow is planning to reprise a Soviet-era scheme whereby students were given "mandatory military training", including experience handling Kalashnikov rifles.
"We see that today they announced children in schools are going to be trained, and that's the type of regime we're up against," Wallace said.

Speaking to broadcasters in Westminster, he said Russia's retreat from Kherson "shows remarkable capability by Ukraine", noting: "It basically begs the question to the Russian population, effectively: What was it all for?"
He added it is up to the Ukrainians to decide "when and how" they negotiate with their neighbour, should they choose to do so.
Asked if now is the right time for talks, given Ukraine's strong position, Wallace said: "First of all, I don't think we should be grateful when the thief gives back stolen goods – and that's effectively what Russia has done.
Liberation of Kherson sparks outpouring of joy and tears in Kyiv
"Now it's going to sort of go around the world trying to say everyone should be grateful for that. No, they shouldn't, Russia shouldn't have done it in the first place in February.
"I think it's up to the Ukrainians to decide when and how they want to negotiate. Ultimately, Ukraine will want to do that from a position of strength and momentum is with Ukraine. I can't see why Ukraine would stop that."
Moscow's withdrawal from the city just six weeks after illegally annexing the Kherson region marks a major setback for the Kremlin.
Russian withdrawal from Kherson to take at least a week
The exit was formally announced on November 9, but British defence intelligence analysts believe it is likely it started as early as October 22.
Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, said the Russian operation is failing "dramatically."
He told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: "Russia wanted to weaken NATO and NATO's even stronger. Then if you come down to the tactical fight, we're seeing continued success by Ukraine."
The UK's job is to support Ukraine politically, diplomatically and militarily, he added.
Source: anews
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BENEFIT AGM approves 10%...
- March 27, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).
Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.
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