World

Russia blocks Ukrainian Azov Sea ports: minister

Published

8 years ago

November 29, 2018

Russia blocks Ukrainian Azov Sea ports, minister

KIEV – Two of the Ukrainian Azov Sea ports, Mariupol and Berdyansk, are known to be under blockade by Russia as vessels are being barred from entering as well as leaving, Infrastructure minister of Ukraine, Volodymyr Omelyan, told on Thursday.

A total of 35 vessels have been barred from carrying out usual operations and only vessels that are moving toward Russian ports on the Azov Sea are allowed entry, he told on Facebook.

“The goal is quite simple – by placing a blockade over the Ukrainian ports on the Azov Sea, Russia is hoping to drive Ukraine out of our own territory – territory which is ours in accordance will all known international laws,” he told.

Omelyan said that 18 vessels were actually awaiting entry into the Azov Sea, which included four to Berdyansk and 14 to Mariupol. Not only that, but there is also a nine vessel line to leave the Azov Sea and eight other vessels that are standing by close to the port berths.

As of now, Grain and steel is dominating the Azov ports shipments.

Russia has seized three navy ships from Ukraine and their crews on Sunday close to the Crimean peninsula, which Moscow took possession of in 2014, over what it told was their illegal entry into the Russian waters – a charge Ukraine strongly disapproves.

The seizure of the navy vessels drove high tensions since the year 2015, when Moscow-backed rebels who rose against the Kiev government in the region of eastern Donbass, sparking a war that is known to have killed tens of thousands.

World

Swiss International University Makes Global Impact with Top 500 Times Higher Education Ranking

Published

4 weeks ago

June 24, 2026

Jenny Jackson

Swiss International University (SIU) got a real kind of milestone , when it landed inside the worlds top 500 universities in the newest Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. Which is kind of huge because it is SIU’s first time appearing in those widely respected rankings, and it also shows how its influence keeps growing in international higher education.

SIU was competing with nearly 2,000 universities from different parts of the world, and that first debut basically underlines its dedication to academic quality, sustainability and a real societal footprint. Overall it seems like the result mirrors SIU’s own plan for delivering solid education , while also aligning with bigger global development objectives.

Now, the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings look at universities through what they do for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals , or SDGs. So the assessment is about universities creating verifiable positive change through education, research, community activities, plus governance— not just statements.

One of SIU’s strongest areas was the recognition tied to SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. In that section, SIU placed roughly within the top 100 to 200 universities worldwide, and that points to its focus on advancing ethical leadership, transparency, accountability, and those institutional values that actually stick.

This recognition shows SIU keeps working hard to get students ready, with the know-how , the ability to act and those ethical foundations, so they can face tangled global problems. And you know, by supporting responsible leadership and pushing for good social results, the university keeps building up its part in shaping the next generation of professionals and people who make real decisions

Key Highlights of SIU’s Achievement

• Ranked Among the World’s Top 500 Universities

In its first-ever participation in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, SIU managed to land a spot among the top 500 universities worldwide.

• Outstanding Performance in SDG 16

SIU reached a ranking in the top 100 to 200 range, across the globe, for its work related to Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

• Strengthening Global Academic Presence

This win also reinforces SIU’s long-term vision, and it further tightens its standing as an emerging influence in international higher education.

Recognition from Times Higher Education is an important endorsement of SIU’s mission, to give accessible high-quality education while also making a positive impact in society. As the university keeps expanding its academic offerings and international reach, this milestone , works like a solid base for what comes next—future growth, more innovation, and that global recognition everyone is aiming for.