United News of Bangladesh

European Union officials held talks in Budapest on Friday with representatives of election winner Péter Magyar, focusing on releasing billions of euros in frozen funds and advancing cooperation ahead of his government taking office next month. The discussions include efforts to unlock around €17 billion ($20 billion) in EU aid withheld during the tenure of outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, as well as coordination on key issues such as financial support for Ukraine. European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho said preliminary talks are aimed at ensuring swift action once the new government assumes office, noting that “the clock is ticking” on several urgent matters. The EU froze funding to Hungary over concerns about corruption, democratic backsliding and judicial independence during Orbán’s 16-year rule. Both Brussels and Magyar’s team have since prioritised unlocking the funds to support Hungary’s struggling economy. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said reforms are needed to restore the rule of law, align with EU values and enable access to the funds. Magyar, whose Tisza party secured a parliamentary supermajority, has pledged to pursue reforms in judicial independence, media freedom and anti-corruption measures to meet EU conditions. He has also signalled support for a previously agreed €90 billion EU loan package for Ukraine, which Orbán had blocked. The frozen funds include €10 billion in post-pandemic recovery support and €6.3 billion in cohesion funds aimed at boosting weaker economies. Officials are racing to release the recovery funds before an August deadline. Hungary, a major recipient of EU funding, has faced longstanding criticism from the bloc over its governance standards. While Orbán rejected such allegations, the European Commission suspended funds in 2022, partially releasing some in 2023 after reforms. Analysts say Magyar could move quickly to implement required legislative changes, including reforms to judicial appointments, to unlock the funds. Hungary may also benefit from additional financing under the EU’s €150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, which supports defence readiness. If accessed, the combined funding could amount to a significant share of the country’s economy.

Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva began a two-day visit to Spain on Friday, joining his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sánchez to host a series of meetings with global leaders focused on safeguarding democracy and countering the rise of far-right populism. The two leaders, both vocal critics of Donald Trump and his tariff threats, are seen as leading figures of progressive politics in their regions, where right-wing movements have gained momentum. Lula and Sánchez are scheduled to meet at a former royal palace in Barcelona along with senior ministers, where they are expected to sign agreements on economic cooperation, technology and social policy. Their bilateral talks will be followed on Saturday by two major gatherings bringing together leaders from mid- and smaller-sized countries. The first, the fourth “Meeting in Defense of Democracy,” was launched by Brazil and Spain in 2024 to address challenges such as extremism, political polarization and misinformation. Previous editions were held at the United Nations and in Santiago, Chile. Lula said the forum should not be viewed as targeting Trump, stressing that it will instead focus on assessing the state of democracy and identifying ways to strengthen it. Leaders expected to attend include Claudia Sheinbaum, Cyril Ramaphosa, Gustavo Petro and António Costa, along with representatives from countries across Europe, Latin America and Africa. The same venue will later host the inaugural “Global Progressive Mobilization,” a gathering of left-leaning leaders and policymakers expected to draw around 3,000 participants. The event will feature speeches by Lula and Sánchez and discussions on issues such as inequality and electoral strategies. The initiative was conceived after Sánchez and former Swedish prime minister Stefan Löfven discussed creating a global platform for progressive coordination. The meetings come during a busy diplomatic period for Sánchez, who recently returned from China after meeting Xi Jinping, while his government has taken positions related to the Iran conflict, including restricting the use of Spanish airspace and bases by US forces. Earlier this week, Lula also expressed solidarity with Pope Leo XIV following criticism from Trump over the pontiff’s stance on the Iran war. Analysts say the gatherings reflect efforts by democratic leaders to counter the growing influence of far-right movements and to strengthen cooperation among what some describe as “middle powers” in an increasingly polarized global landscape.

Russia and Ukraine on Sunday accused each other of breaching a Kremlin-declared Easter ceasefire, even as Orthodox Christians marked the holiday amid the ongoing four-year war. Russian President Vladimir Putin had announced a 32-hour truce over the Easter weekend, ordering a halt to hostilities from 4pm Saturday through Sunday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine would observe the ceasefire but warned of a swift response to any violations. Ukraine’s military said it recorded 2,299 ceasefire breaches by Sunday morning, including shelling, assaults and drone activity, though it reported no use of long-range missiles or guided bombs. A Ukrainian officer also said Russian forces continued attacks on frontline positions. Russia’s Defence Ministry, meanwhile, claimed Ukrainian forces committed 1,971 violations, including drone strikes. Russian officials also reported civilian casualties in the Belgorod region following an alleged Ukrainian attack. Despite the fighting, thousands of Ukrainians gathered at outdoor locations to celebrate Easter services. Worshippers attended traditional blessings of food baskets containing dyed eggs and cakes, although many expressed scepticism about the ceasefire’s effectiveness. “Every time a ceasefire is announced for a holiday, the shelling continues regardless,” one resident said, while still expressing hope for peace and an end to the war.

Slovenia has become the first European Union member to introduce fuel rationing as it grapples with supply disruptions and rising prices triggered by the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The government moved to control fuel distribution following volatility in global energy markets linked to US-Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory actions affecting key Gulf producers. Authorities said the situation had led to sharp price increases across Europe, while Slovenia has also seen a surge in so-called “fuel tourism,” with drivers from neighbouring countries, especially Austria, crossing the border to take advantage of comparatively lower, regulated prices. Under the new rules, private motorists are limited to purchasing up to 50 litres of fuel per day, while businesses and farmers are allowed up to 200 litres. Prime Minister Robert Golob sought to reassure the public that supplies remain sufficient, saying there is no risk of shortages and that fuel reserves are adequate. The government has tasked petrol stations with enforcing the restrictions, requiring staff to ensure customers do not exceed the set limits. The unprecedented move has drawn strong reactions from the public, with some drivers saying they have never experienced such measures before.   With inputs from BBC

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has recommended that governments, businesses, and households adopt measures such as working from home and avoiding air travel to help ease the burden of soaring energy prices caused by the US-Israeli war with Iran. The conflict, which began on Feb 28, has sharply driven up global energy costs, raising inflation concerns worldwide. Brent crude has surged to around US$120 per barrel from about US$70 before the war, while natural gas prices have more than doubled. In addition to these demand-side measures, the IEA highlighted other suggestions, including lowering highway speed limits by at least 10 km/h and using alternative transport where possible. “We have recently launched the largest-ever release of IEA emergency oil stocks, and I am in close contact with governments globally, including major energy producers and consumers, as part of our international energy diplomacy,” IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said. On March 11, the IEA agreed to release a record 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves, with the United States providing the majority of the supply. #From The Straits Times/Reuters

The Kremlin said on Monday that Russian and US interests coincide following the Trump administration’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian oil amid the Iran conflict. Oil prices have surged in recent days as tensions escalate in the Middle East. In a statement reported by Reuters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, “The United States is taking action in an attempt to stabilise energy markets; in this regard, our interests align.”   With inputs from BBC

Ukrainian forces attacked a key Russian military factory in the Bryansk region on Wednesday, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. The factory produced electronics and components for Russian missiles used against Ukrainian cities and civilians. Ukraine said British Storm Shadow missiles were used in the strike on the Kremniy El plant. Russian authorities reported at least six civilians killed and 42 injured. President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said the attack was “impossible without British specialists” and described it as a terrorist missile strike. He added that Russia’s military operation continues to prevent such attacks and to demilitarise Ukraine. The conflict has also seen Russian attacks using Iranian-made Shahed drones, including an attack in Kharkiv on Wednesday that killed two people and injured five. Another strike in Slovyansk on Tuesday killed four and injured 16. Both sides continue military operations despite a recent stalemate. Russia claims slow advances, while Ukraine says it is reclaiming territory. Zelensky said another round of talks may take place next week, led by US President Donald Trump. Proposals reportedly include Ukraine giving up parts of the Donbas region, which Russia currently controls over 80%, though Ukraine has rejected such terms.   With inputs from BBC

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone on Monday evening in a businesslike and constructive conversation that focused on the ongoing Iran conflict and efforts toward a settlement of the Ukraine war, the Kremlin said. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters that Trump initiated the call and underlined his interest in a swift ceasefire and long‑term settlement in Ukraine. The two leaders agreed to maintain regular communications after a long gap in direct contact. Putin outlined considerations for the earliest political and diplomatic resolution of the Iran conflict, including consultations with Persian Gulf leaders, Iran’s president and other international figures. Trump provided his assessment of developments tied to the ongoing U.S.‑Israeli military operations in the region. Putin also briefed Trump on recent combat developments in Ukraine, saying Russian troops were advancing successfully — a factor he said could encourage Kyiv to pursue negotiated settlement talks. The presidents also touched on Venezuela in the context of the global oil market. Ushakov described the nearly hour‑long call as substantive and of practical importance for future cooperation between the two countries on international policy matters. This was the first known phone contact between Putin and Trump since late December 2025.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia could stop supplying natural gas to European Union countries sooner than expected, citing commercial reasons. In a Wednesday interview, Putin said the EU plans “to introduce new restrictions on the purchase of Russian gas in a month, and in a year to tighten them to a complete ban.” “Other markets are now opening up. Maybe it would be more profitable for us to stop supplies to the European market right now, and establish ourselves in new export directions,” he added, stressing there is no political motive and that these were merely “thoughts out loud,” not a formal decision. In January, the Council of the European Union approved a ban on Russian pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG), set to take full effect in January 2027 for LNG and autumn 2027 for pipeline gas. In 2025, Russia accounted for about 13 percent of total EU gas imports from pipeline gas and LNG combined, the council said.

Spain on Wednesday denied reports that it had agreed to allow the United States to use its military bases for operations in the Middle East, contradicting claims by the White House. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said the government’s position “has not changed one iota” regarding the war in Iran and the use of Spanish bases. Albares’ remarks came after a White House spokesperson claimed Spain had agreed to cooperate with the U.S. military. President Donald Trump earlier threatened to “cut off all trade with Spain,” citing NATO spending disputes and Spain’s refusal to let American forces use its bases in southern Spain for strikes on Iran. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said his government would not “be complicit in something that is bad for the world” and reiterated that Spain’s position could be summarised in four words: “No to the war.” Sánchez warned that the conflict could escalate into a costly Middle East quagmire, similar to past U.S. interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Trump had referred to the Rota and Morón bases, jointly operated by Spain and the U.S., saying, “We could just fly in and use it… nobody’s going to tell us not to use it, but we don’t have to.” U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Spain’s stance “puts American lives at risk,” while the EU pledged to protect member states’ trade interests. Spanish business groups expressed concern over the threat, noting that U.S.-Spain trade accounts for around 1 percent of the country’s GDP. Spain’s refusal adds to growing tensions with Washington, following disagreements over NATO spending and criticism of military actions in Gaza and the Middle East.