“Benzema has signed a contract for his transfer to Al-Ittihad for a three-year period starting next season,” the source said.

The announcement comes days after Real Madrid announced that the 35-year-old was leaving the club after 14 seasons, the day after coach Carlo Ancelotti had said there was “no doubt” Benzema’s future was in the Spanish capital.

Benzema is in line to join Cristiano Ronaldo in the Gulf kingdom after the Portuguese five-time world player of the year moved to Al Nassr from Manchester United following last year’s World Cup.

Lionel Messi, who is leaving Paris Saint-Germain after two seasons, has also been linked to a move to Saudi Arabia.

Senior officials from Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal have flown to France to try and seal a deal for Messi after the 35-year-old Argentinian played his last game for PSG at the weekend.

The Saudi delegation plans to meet Messi’s father and agent, Jorge, with the aiming of completing the signing as soon as possible, sources told AFP on Sunday.

Benzema joined Madrid in 2009 from Ligue 1 side Lyon.

He made 647 appearances for Madrid and is the second on Real’s all-time goalscoring list with 353 — only Cristiano Ronaldo has more.

He has lifted five Champions Leagues, four La Liga titles and three Copas del Rey with Madrid and is the holder of the Ballon d’Or for the world’s best player.

But after a stellar 2021-22 season when he lead Real to the Champions League, he has been troubled by injuries in the just-completed season and had to miss France’s World Cup campaign with a thigh problem.

The contrasting claims came as Pope Francis’s peace envoy, Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, arrived in Kyiv for two days of talks.

“Well done, warriors! We see how hysterically Russia reacts to any step we take there, all positions we take. The enemy knows that Ukraine will win,” Zelensky said in a video message published on social media.

Earlier, Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister Ganna Malyar had noted “some success” on the battlefield.

“The Bakhmut sector remains the epicentre of the hostilities. We are advancing there on a rather wide front,” she said.

“The defensive operation includes counteroffensive actions. Therefore, in some sectors, we are conducting offensive actions,” Malyar added.

In May, Russia said it seized the now-destroyed eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, the scene of the longest and one of the bloodiest battles of the war.

Ukraine says it has been preparing a major offensive to recapture territory lost to Russia, but that there would be no announcement about when it would start.

On Sunday, Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said words “can only do harm” and posted a cryptic tweet, quoting lyrics from the Depeche Mode song “Enjoy the Silence”.

US President Joe Biden wished Ukraine well on Monday in its expected counteroffensive.

Asked by AFP if he thought the expected Ukrainian pushback would work, the president answered by silently raising his hand and crossing his middle and index fingers.

The war has escalated in recent weeks, with increased attacks on both sides of the border with Russia.

Military experts expect Ukrainian forces to test Russian defences for weaknesses before starting a full-blown offensive.

– ‘Large-scale offensive’ –

Earlier on Monday, Russia’s defence ministry said “the enemy launched a large-scale offensive in five sectors of the front” on Sunday in the south of the Donetsk region.

Moscow said it had thwarted the offensive, killing a total of “1,500 servicemen” and destroying more than 100 armoured vehicles.

But the claims were dismissed on Tuesday by the boss of Russian mercenary group Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, as “wild fantasies”.

Prigozhin has been embroiled in a public spat with Russia’s regular army and has accused Moscow’s military leadership of not supplying enough ammunition, among other criticisms.

Large parts of Donetsk have been held by pro-Moscow separatists since 2014.

It is one of four eastern Ukrainian territories that Russia formally annexed in September last year, along with Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, despite never fully controlling them.

The ministry posted what it said was a video of the battle, showing Ukrainian armoured vehicles coming under heavy fire.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s top commander in Ukraine, Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, “was at one of the advanced command posts”, the ministry said.

The ministry later said it defeated “new attempts to pierce Russian defences” in southern Donetsk.

The Russian and Ukrainian claims could not be independently verified.

A high-profile Russian war correspondent, Alexander Kots, said “battles have been going on” around Vugledar, in the south of the Donetsk region, and further north in Soledar and Bakhmut, which were occupied by Moscow’s forces after months of fighting.

Kots said Ukrainian forces were “conducting offensive operations” in and around Bakhmut but suggested Kyiv had not yet “introduced the main forces into battle”.

– Offensive ‘does not exist’ –

Prigozhin also said Monday that Ukraine’s troops had made gains near Bakhmut.

Russian troops, he said, were “slowly” leaving the village of Berkhivka near Bakhmut, which he said was a “disgrace”.

In the southern region of Zaporizhzhia, a Moscow-installed official said Ukrainian troops were on the offensive.

The region is home to Europe’s largest nuclear plant and has been partly under Russian control since the start of Moscow’s offensive.

“It looks like the die has been cast and the next couple of months will clear up a lot. The fight will be serious because there is a lot at stake,” Vladimir Rogov said.

Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhaylo Podolyak said: “Moscow is actively involved in repelling… a global offensive that ‘does not yet exist’.”

– Pope’s envoy in Kyiv –

The Vatican said Pope Francis’s peace envoy Zuppi, the head of the Italian bishops’ conference, had headed to Kyiv on Monday for talks on the war with the Ukrainian authorities.

Ukraine’s ambassador to the Vatican, Andrii Yurash, said on Twitter he hoped Zuppi’s visit would help find “appropriate answers” for a peaceful solution.

But attacks have, in fact, intensified in recent weeks, with the latest and most striking being the regular shelling and cross-border incursions from Ukraine in Russia’s southern Belgorod region.

The border breaches have been claimed by Russian anti-Kremlin ultra-nationalists.

Kyiv and Moscow will give their arguments to judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, in a case that was originally started by Ukraine back in 2017.

Ukraine has since filed a separate case related to Russia’s February 2022 invasion, accusing Moscow of planning genocide. The ICJ in that case ordered Russia to suspend the invasion.

Lawyers for Ukraine will speak on Tuesday from 10 am local time (0800 GMT), while Russia’s will address the court on Thursday, the ICJ said in a statement. Ukraine will then reply on June 12 and Russia on June 14.

The ICJ was created after World War II to deal with disputes between UN member states. Its decisions are binding although it has no means to enforce them.

Ukraine alleges that Russia breached UN conventions on financing terrorism and on racial discrimination, and is seeking damages for attacks by pro-Moscow rebels in eastern Ukraine since 2014.

About 13,000 people died in the eight years of violence before the 2022 invasion.

Ukraine says Russia funnelled arms and cash to fighters behind a separatist insurgency that broke out after the pro-Russian government in Kyiv was toppled by pro-EU protests in early 2014.

– War crimes allegations –

Russia has denied all links to the rebels. Since the invasion, it now holds much of the territory where the violence took place and where the separatists were in charge.

The dead in eastern Ukraine include 298 people killed when Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was shot down with a Russian-made BUK missile over rebel territory in July 2014.

A Dutch court ruled last year that Moscow had directly controlled the rebels, as it sentenced two Russians and a Ukrainian separatist to life sentences in absentia over MH17.

International investigators said separately in February this year that there were “strong indications” that Russian President Vladimir Putin personally approved the supply of the missile that downed the plane.

ICJ judges ruled that the case could go ahead in 2019, after dismissing Russia’s attempts to have it thrown out.

Russia faces a series of legal actions in The Hague over the conflict in Ukraine.

The International Criminal Court (ICC), an independent war crimes tribunal which like the ICJ is also based in the Dutch city, issued an arrest warrant for Putin in March.

Putin is accused by the ICC of the war crime of unlawfully deporting children from occupied areas of Ukraine to Russia.

She made these remarks when the newly elected leaders of Bangladesh Supreme Court Bar Association paid a courtesy call on her at her official Ganabhaban residence.

The premier congratulated the newly elected leaders of the Supreme Court Bar Association.

She said BNP introduced the culture of forced disappearance, killing and lawlessness by proclamation of the indemnity ordinance over the assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with most of his family members.

Sheikh Hasina, the eldest daughter of Bangabandhu, said she had no right to seek justice and to get justice after the assassination of the Father of the Nation.

“It was a gross violation of human rights. Today, we’ve been able to free the country from the situation of not getting justice. The Awami League government always believes in justice,” she added.

She said the Awami League government has made arrangements for people to get justice. “Our government has digitised the judicial system so people can get justice in a short time, not facing sufferings,” she said.

The Prime Minister said her government has made it (trial proceedings) virtual during the Covid-19 pandemic so that people can get justice in a short time, staying at home.

Mentioning that the people are suffering due to electricity amid the ongoing heatwave, she said, “We’ve trying out our best and taking necessary measures in this regard.”

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh witnessed impressive development due to the continuation of democracy for the last 14 and half years in the country.

She said Bangladesh has graduated to a developing country only for dedicated efforts of the Awami League government.

“We’ve been working to make Bangladesh a developed and prosperous country,” she added.

Law Minister Anisul Huq and AL advisory council member and senior lawyer Yusuf Hossain Humayun were present.

Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Jahid Tusher said among the newly elected leaders of Supreme Court Bar Association, its President Advocate Md Momtaz Uddin Fakir and Secretary Abdun Noor Dulal along with vice presidents Mohammad Ali Azzam and Jesmin Sultana, Treasurer Masud Alam Chowdhury, senior assistant secretaries A.B.M. Noor-A-Alam (Uzzal) and Mohammad Harun-ur-Rashid, members Mohiuddin Ahmed (Rudra), Shafique Raihan Shawon, Safayet Hossain (Sajeeb), Delowar Hossain, Mohammad Najmul Huda and Suvas Chandra Das were present.

In March last, pro-Awami League lawyers panel Bangabandhu Awami Ainjibi Parishad won all the 14 posts of executive committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) in the annual election.

“I would like to urge all to protect the environment of Bangladesh because it is our duty to protect our country from the adverse impact of climate change,” she said while planting trees on the premises of her official residence Ganabhaban on the World Environment Day 2023.

The premier planted three saplings as part of the inauguration of the Environment Fair-2023, National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair-2023.

“As today is the World Environment Day, I planted trees. I hope all (the people) of Bangladesh follow it (to plant trees),” she said.

The head of government said they have been implementing the tree plantation programme on a massive scale so that Bangladesh would be more beautiful, greenery and developed.

She continued, “I want that Bangladesh would face no sort of damage from climate change. So, I tell everyone to plant trees.”

The Prime Minister asked the people to plant trees in every available place and to bring every area under production to grow fruits, vegetables and others amid the global price-hike of commodities.

Mentioning that many developed countries are also struggling due to the global high inflation, she said the government will have all efforts to protect the people of the country from the crisis.

“I would like to request each of the countrymen to plant three trees and if not possible, plant at least one tree,” she added.

She asked the students to plant trees on the premises of their schools, colleges and universities.

The premier said her party -Bangladesh Awami League- started a tree plantation programme in 1985, taking decision in 1984 and Bangladesh Krishak League has been entrusted to implement the programme.

Every AL leader and activist was given an order to plant at least three of wood, fruit and herbal saplings, she said.

The Awami League President said that her party will start the tree plantation campaign on the first day of Bangla month Ashar as it did in the previous years.

Law Minister Anisul Huq, Environment Minister Md Shahab Uddin, Deputy Minister for Environment Habibun Nahar, Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry Saber Hossain Chowdhury, PMO Secretary Mohammad Salahuddin and Environment Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed, among others, were present.

“Severe heat wave is sweeping over the districts of Nilphamary and Dinajpur. Mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping over Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal and the rest parts of Rangpur divisions and the districts of Mymensingh, Moulvibazar, Rangamati, Cumilla, Chandpur, Noakhali and Bandarban and it may continue,” said the release.

Rain/thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at one or two places over Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions.

Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country.

Day and night temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country.

Country’s maximum temperature on Sunday was recorded by 41.1 degree Celsius at Dinajpur and minimum temperature today was recorded by 23.3 degree Celsius at Nikli under Dhaka division.

The sun will set at 6.43pm today and the sun will rise at 5.11 am tomorrow in the capital Dhaka.

“We’ve placed the biggest size of national budget in the history of the country and we are determined to implement this budget. We can implement it and the Awami League can do it,” she said.

The Premier said this while addressing the commissioning ceremony of the new intercity train “Chilahati Express” on the Chilahati-Dhaka-Chilahati route.

Virtually joining the event, which was held at Chilahati Railway Station in Nilphamari, from her official residence Ganabhaban, she said that many people would say many things (about this budget), but “we, Awami League (AL), know about this country’s wellbeing and its people also”.

In 2006 during the BNP regime, the size of the budget was only Taka 61,000 crore, Sheikh Hasina said, adding, “But our government unveiled a Taka 761,785-crore national budget on June 1 last.

She said that a group of people are availing the option of several number of televisions, which licenses were given to the private sector by the AL government, always criticise whatever the government does and find “but” (flaws) there, sitting in air-conditioned rooms.

They also spread some words to disappoint the people and talk against Bangladesh before the foreigners, she said, adding, “But what they get from it, I don’t know, they may collect some hadia (money) which actually I can’t say, they get satisfaction talking against Bangladesh”.

About the people who used to say that it is not possible for the government to implement after placing the national budget every year, she said the government does it and shows it through implementation.

“I want to say to these types of people that please keep in mind what you said last year and where today’s Bangladesh has come from, please calculate and compare it,” she added.

Sheikh Hasina said that the price of each product across the globe has been raised due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ukraine-Russia War and sanction-counter sanctions.

She said that prices of fuel oil, gas, food stuff, wheat, sugar and everything that Bangladesh is importing from other countries, have been increased along with the hike in transportation costs, which is mounting pressure on the country’s economy.

“We’ve taken some initiatives to tackle the situation,” she added.

At the ceremony, the Premier flagged off the “Chilahati Express” which will run on the route six days a week. The capacity of the intercity train is 800 passengers.

Chilahati Railway Station is an important intersection in Nilphamari district as the Haldibari-Chilahati route was revived to resume rail communication between Bangladesh and India. Alongside goods-laden wagons, the inter-country Mitali Express is running on this route.

Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah moderated the ceremony, while railway secretary Dr. Md. Humayun Kabir delivered a welcome address. Railways Minister Md. Nurul Islam Sujan, MP, also spoke on the occasion.

A video documentary on the Bangladesh Railway (BR) was screened.

Since 2009 after assuming power, the Awami League government in the last 14 years has installed a total of 740km of new railway track, while converted 280km of rail track into dual-gauge and rehabilitated 1308km of rail track.

During the period, a total of 114 locomotives were collected for the Bangladesh Railway (BR) along with 623 new passenger carriages and 516 goods-carrying wagons.

In addition, the signalling systems of 130 railway stations have been modernised.

Now, 142 new trains are running for passengers’ movement.

The Premier launched the operation of the train by blowing a whistle and waving a flag at a ceremony held at Chilahati Railway Station in Nilphamari as the chief guest, joining virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban.

The new Chilahati Express, having the capacity of carrying 800 passengers with modern facilities, will ply across the Chilahati-Dhaka-Chilahati route six-day in a week.

Chilahati Railway Station is an important intersection in Nilphamari district as the Haldibari-Chilahati route was revived to resume rail communication between Bangladesh and India.

Alongside goods-laden wagons, the inter-country Mitali Express is running on this route.

Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah moderated the ceremony, while railway secretary Dr. Md. Humayun Kabir delivered a welcome address. Railways Minister Md. Nurul Islam Sujan, MP, also spoke on the occasion.

A video documentary on the Bangladesh Railway (BR) was screened.

Since 2009 after assuming power, the Awami League government in the last 14 years has installed a total of 740km new railway tracks, while converted 280km rail track into dual-gauge and rehabilitated 1308km rail track.

During the period, a total of 114 locomotives were collected for the Bangladesh Railway (BR) along with 623 new passenger carriages and 516 goods-carrying wagons.

In addition, the signalling systems of 130 railway stations have been modernised.

Now, 142 new trains are running for passengers’ movement.

Messi’s expected departure from the French giants after two seasons was officially confirmed by PSG in a statement shortly before Saturday’s game.

“His contribution to Paris Saint-Germain and Ligue 1 cannot be underestimated and we wish Leo and his family all the best for the future,” said PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi.

Yet Messi’s name was jeered by some fans as the teams were announced at the Parc des Princes and the Argentinian World Cup winner was again whistled sporadically during the match.

There was little riding on the game itself after PSG wrapped up a record 11th French title last weekend, and Christophe Galtier’s side contrived to throw away a two-goal lead.

Sergio Ramos, whose own departure from PSG was confirmed on Friday, marked his final appearance by heading in a Vitinha cross for the opener in the 16th minute.

– Tribute to injured Rico –

Mbappe, looking to end a fifth consecutive season as Ligue 1’s top scorer, then scored a penalty to make it 2-0 with his 29th league goal this season, which he marked by holding up goalkeeper Sergio Rico’s number 16 jersey.

Spaniard Rico, PSG’s back-up goalkeeper, is in a serious condition in hospital in Seville after being injured in a horse-riding accident last weekend.

“The most important thing was the tribute to Sergio,” Mbappe told broadcaster Canal Plus.

“There are more important things than football, and on the pitch we were already champions. We could have lost 22-0 and that would not have changed anything for us.

“We had to pay tribute to Sergio. I think we have all been affected by what is an extremely serious situation. We have been worried about that all week and so we tried to pay tribute in the best possible way.”

Mbappe’s goals tally left him two ahead of Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette in the final standings.

Johan Gastien pounced on a Marco Verratti mistake to pull a goal back for Clermont, who then saw Grejohn Kyei miss a penalty.

The visitors then equalised in first-half stoppage time when Mehdi Zeffane netted from close range after Gianluigi Donnarumma spilled the ball.

Kyei got Clermont’s winner in the second half when he turned in a cross with his knee.

A famous win for Clermont sees them finish the season in eighth place.

PSG picked up the championship trophy after the game but end the season with seven league defeats, all of them suffered in 2023.

Officials said this coach was buried as another passenger wagon jumped rail on top of it, the death toll is expected to jump once this wagon is brought up.

“The death toll in the Balasore train accident has risen to 261,” said South East Railway spokesperson Aditya Chowdhury on Saturday, adding that “rescue of injured passengers has been completed”.