United News of Bangladesh

The administration of US President Donald Trump has notified Congress of plans to close five smaller American diplomatic missions in Africa, Asia and the Western Hemisphere as part of an effort to streamline overseas operations and reduce costs. According to notifications sent to lawmakers last week, the US State Department intends to shut down the US Embassy in Grenada, the consulates in Nagoya, Japan, and Medan, Indonesia, the American Presence Post in Winnipeg, Canada, and an embassy branch office in Douala, Cameroon. The department estimates the closures will save about $4.4 million annually, according to the notices obtained by The Associated Press. The affected missions are relatively small in terms of staffing. The embassy in St. George's, Grenada, and the consulate in Nagoya each have one US diplomat and five locally employed staff. The Medan consulate has four American personnel and 47 local employees, while the Winnipeg office employs two local staff members. The branch office in Douala has 14 locally hired employees. Earlier this year, the State Department also announced plans to permanently close the US consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan, which had served as the closest American diplomatic mission to Afghanistan following the withdrawal of US troops in 2021. The planned closures are part of a broader restructuring of the State Department's global operations. At the same time, Washington is investing in restoring its diplomatic presence in countries where political changes have created new opportunities. The administration is moving ahead with plans to reopen US embassies in Damascus, Syria, and Tripoli, Libya, while the embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, has already resumed operations following the removal of the countries' long-time rulers.

At least five people were killed in both Russia and Ukraine as the two countries exchanged drone and aerial attacks, officials said Tuesday. Russian authorities said a Ukrainian drone strike in the Moscow region killed five people and injured 10 others. Separately, officials in the Krasnodar region said the death toll from Monday's drone attack on the Black Sea resort of Arkhipo-Osipovka had risen to seven, including four children. Ukraine has not commented on the reported strike. Russia's Defense Ministry said its air defenses shot down 320 Ukrainian drones overnight. Ukrainian officials said drones had also targeted warehouses operated by Russia's largest online retailer, Wildberries. Meanwhile, Ukraine said Russian attacks killed at least five civilians in separate strikes across Mykolaiv, Odesa, Sumy, Kharkiv and Donetsk regions. In Sumy, two young girls and an elderly woman were among those killed after Russian glide bomb attacks. In Kramatorsk, two glide bombs injured 22 people, while attacks in Mykolaiv, Odesa and Kharkiv caused additional casualties and damage. Russia also said it struck Ukrainian ports and shipping infrastructure along the Black Sea, while Turkey renewed its call for both sides to ensure safe navigation, warning that escalating attacks could threaten global food security. According to the United Nations, more than 16,000 civilians have been killed in Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion more than four years ago.

A serviceman in Russian-occupied Crimea opened fire on fellow soldiers and civilians, killing four people and injuring four others, according to the Moscow-installed governor of Sevastopol. Gov. Mikhail Razvozhayev said Tuesday that the shooting took place in the village of Khmelnytske, part of Sevastopol, but did not specify when the incident occurred. According to the governor, the serviceman first shot at fellow soldiers, killing one and injuring another. He then allegedly opened fire on civilians, leaving three dead and three more wounded. The suspect, whose identity was not disclosed, has been detained, Razvozhayev said. Authorities have launched an investigation into the shooting, though no information has been provided about a possible motive. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 in a move widely condemned by the international community as illegal. The Black Sea peninsula has since become a key strategic base for Moscow's military operations in Ukraine. During the early stages of Russia's full-scale invasion, troops stationed in Crimea advanced into southern Ukraine and established a land corridor linking the peninsula to Russian-controlled territory. In recent months, Ukrainian forces have stepped up strikes on Russian supply routes to Crimea, contributing to significant fuel shortages in the region, which typically attracts large numbers of tourists during the warmer season.

Japan needs to adapt to new forms of warfare, including the growing use of drones and artificial intelligence in conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, while strengthening its defense industry, the government said Tuesday. Japan has expanded its military capabilities and defense spending in recent years and has begun deploying long-range cruise missiles as a deterrent to China's growing military activity. A 598-page defense white paper adopted by the Cabinet on Tuesday again identified China as Japan's biggest strategic challenge. Tokyo is increasingly concerned about the growing presence and frequency of Chinese warships operating in the Pacific. The annual report reviews Japan's defense activities and priorities and assesses military trends in various countries. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government is seeking public support for increased defense spending and military expansion, with this year's report using a more accessible format, including a cartoon cover and links to video clips in Japanese, English and Chinese. Combat drones for new warfare Drawing lessons from Ukraine's extensive use of drones, Japan says adapting to what it calls "new ways of warfare" has become essential. As countries race to develop combat drones, Japan is prioritizing their development for coastal defense, alongside the use of long-range missiles. "Speed is key," Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said in early July. The Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency recently selected four drone makers from 38 applicants under a rapid development program. The prototypes are expected to undergo testing by Japan's navy in early August before a final selection is made. Several other Japanese companies are also working on similar systems. Toshiba said Friday that it plans to jointly develop combat drones with startup Pro Drone. Uncrewed weapons could help Japan address a declining number of military personnel amid the country's shrinking population. However, experts say developing fully domestic drones will be difficult because China's products dominate Japan's commercial drone market. Concerns over China, Russia and North Korea Japan has strengthened its military presence on southwestern islands in recent years and begun deploying long-range cruise missiles amid concerns over a possible conflict involving Taiwan, which China claims as its territory. The defense paper highlighted the growing presence and frequency of Chinese warships in the Pacific as a major concern. The Defense Ministry has also created a dedicated unit to study Japan's Pacific strategy and strengthen defenses against China. The paper said China has steadily increased military spending with limited transparency and has rapidly expanded its nuclear and missile capabilities. It also referred to an incident last December when Chinese military aircraft locked their radar systems onto Japanese aircraft during Chinese carrier exercises near southwestern Japan, which Tokyo viewed as a possible step toward missile targeting. In June, two Chinese aircraft carriers were spotted near Japan's southern island of Iwo Jima for the first time. The development raised concerns in Tokyo over China's expanding military activities far beyond its immediate waters and in disputed areas of the East China Sea. Tensions between Japan and China have increased since Takaichi said in November that Chinese military action against Taiwan could justify Japan using force. The paper also described China's growing joint military activities with Russia around Japan, including bomber flights and naval operations, as a "grave national security concern." North Korea's rapid development of missiles, including hypersonic weapons, was described as an "increasingly serious and pressing threat." Its expanding military cooperation with Russia and support for Moscow's war in Ukraine were also cited as major concerns. Strengthening defense industry and arms exports Japan's defense paper said strengthening domestic arms production and military technology is essential to maintaining the country's defense capabilities. The government has increased funding for startups and scientific research as part of efforts to develop its defense industry. Although many established Japanese companies have traditionally avoided involvement in lethal weapons because of the country's post-World War II pacifist stance, a growing number of startups are exploring ways to adapt dual-use technologies for military purposes, officials said. Japan's recent decision to ease restrictions on exports of lethal weapons could also help develop its relatively small defense industry. Koizumi said transferring weapons technology and jointly developing and producing military equipment could strengthen both Japan's defense industrial base and its security ties with partner countries. His recent overseas trips have included discussions on arms sales. Japan has already reached major defense agreements, including a deal with Australia to jointly develop and transfer 11 upgraded Mogami-class frigates. Tokyo is also discussing a similar arrangement with New Zealand and has agreed to sell retired destroyers to the Philippines.

A cargo ship reported being hit by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz off Oman, while the United States and Iran gave conflicting accounts of whether they were holding talks to end the war. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center (UKMTO) said the ship reported being “hit by an unknown projectile” at around 2am local time while sailing about 37 kilometres northeast of Al Khasab in Oman. The agency did not provide details about the vessel, including its flag or the cargo it was carrying. Al Khasab is located at the tip of the Arabian Peninsula, which extends into the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is a key route for global oil and gas shipments. Before the war, about one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas passed through the strait. The waterway has effectively been closed to commercial shipping since Iran began attacks on vessels after the war started in February. The United States has also imposed a blockade on Iranian ports in the area. US and Iran give different accounts of talksUS President Donald Trump said Monday that Washington and Tehran had resumed talks aimed at ending the conflict. However, Iran rejected the claim. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said no negotiations were taking place with the United States. He said Tehran was only holding discussions with Oman, mainly about creating a safe route for navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump had said a day earlier that he called off major strikes he had threatened against Iran after being urged to do so by Gulf allies Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. “Whether Iran wants to admit it or not, we are, in fact, talking,” Trump said. He also expressed frustration with Iran, claiming that Tehran had sought talks despite publicly denying that negotiations were taking place. “Iranian Leadership is unbelievably duplicitous!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He said Iran had requested a meeting and that talks had begun, with more meetings expected soon, while Tehran was publicly saying that it was not negotiating with Washington and was dealing only with Oman.

For weeks, young protesters in India mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government with placards and slogans, rallying under an unusual name — the Cockroach Janta Party. The movement achieved something few protests have managed during Modi’s more than 12 years in power: it helped force the resignation of a cabinet minister. Modi has been one of India’s most powerful prime ministers in recent decades, winning elections while building a reputation as a strong and decisive leader. His government has rarely been seen backing down in the face of public pressure. But the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan last month was a major exception, political experts said. The move came after pressure from the “Cockroach” movement and highlighted the growing political influence of India’s under-25 population, which accounts for nearly half of the country’s population. It also showed how young Indians are increasingly using digital platforms to organise protests. “This particular round has ended in a very important defeat for Mr. Modi,” said Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay, a political analyst and author of a biography of Modi. He said the minister’s resignation could make people less afraid of protesting against a government that critics have long accused of restricting dissent. “The threshold of fear has been broken. People are no longer scared to go and step out and protest,” he said. Movement wants to be a watchdog, not a political party The protests started in May as a satirical campaign with one main demand — Pradhan’s resignation over alleged leaks of examination papers that could affect the future of millions of young people. As the protests grew, young urban Indians mobilised through social media and street demonstrations. The movement soon expanded into a wider campaign for accountability, reflecting concerns over youth unemployment, government transparency and the management of public institutions. Mukhopadhyay said it was the first time in recent years that a student-led movement had maintained enough momentum to force the government to meet its main demand without the support of established political parties. “Each one had their own little grievance about life not taking them anywhere,” he said. It remains unclear whether the movement’s energy can eventually translate into votes against Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Saurav Das, a spokesperson for the Cockroach Janta Party, said the movement had demonstrated the power of public pressure in a democracy. “An arrogant government which did not blink for 12 years was forced to blink when the youth united,” he said. He stressed that the group does not want to become a political party. “We want to remain a pressure group,” he said. Movement pushes Modi toward Gen Z outreach The protests also appear to have prompted changes within Modi’s party. In recent weeks, Modi has increasingly appeared in short, vertical videos aimed at young audiences on Instagram and other popular social media platforms. The BJP has also stepped up its efforts to reach Gen Z through online campaigns. Some party lawmakers have started using youth slang in public appearances, including speeches in Parliament. Many members of Modi’s cabinet are aged 60 or older. The shift comes after the government initially dismissed the protests as insignificant. But as demonstrations attracted larger crowds, authorities were forced to recognise the movement and respond to its growing influence. Since Pradhan’s resignation, Modi has also spoken about forgiving people who mocked him, in what appeared to be an effort to rebuild ties with younger audiences. Mukhopadhyay said the movement’s biggest impact was that it challenged the perception of Modi as a leader largely immune to public pressure. “That image of Mr. Modi is heavily tarnished,” he said. Some Modi supporters, however, have responded more aggressively. Online activists aligned with the ruling party have sought to identify protesters and publish their personal information, apparently to intimidate them. Other officials could face pressure Solidarity protests were held in several other Indian cities. Supporters also sent food and other supplies to protesters who were camping in New Delhi and taking part in hunger strikes. Opposition leaders, rights activists and some Bollywood celebrities publicly supported the movement, helping spread its message beyond the protest sites. For Neha Bora, who joined a hunger strike in New Delhi, the movement showed that ordinary citizens could still hold powerful officials accountable. “If they (ministers) do not serve the people of this country, no matter what cabinet minister they are, they will be brought down from their seats,” she said.

President Donald Trump said Monday that new talks between Washington and Tehran are Iran’s “last chance” to reach a deal and avoid an escalation of US strikes. Speaking at the Oval Office, Trump said the talks are expected to focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and creating a path for Iran to address US concerns over its nuclear programme. He said the status of the negotiations could become clearer “today or tomorrow.” “The first phase is the opening of the straits. The second phase will be the denuclearization,” Trump said, adding that the second phase would take some time. Trump said he decided to delay plans for major new strikes on Iran after being urged to do so by Gulf allies Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. He said US forces had been prepared to carry out “the biggest attack since World War II” on Sunday, but he abandoned the plan to give diplomacy more time after speaking with key Gulf leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and receiving requests from unnamed Iranian officials. However, Trump again warned that his patience with Iran is running out. “This is the last chance for them to sign a good document,” he said. Earlier Monday, Trump criticised Iran on social media, calling it “unbelievably duplicitous” after Tehran said its talks with Oman were focused only on establishing a temporary safe navigation route through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil trade. Trump said that, whether Iran acknowledges it or not, discussions are taking place on preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. Since the start of US and Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb 28, Trump has repeatedly threatened to intensify attacks before stepping back from those threats. Asked why he has repeatedly issued strong warnings against Tehran and then backed away, Trump said he was showing patience because he wanted to avoid further loss of Iranian lives. “I want to give them every last chance before decapitation,” Trump said. “Hopefully, they’ll come to their senses.” Critics question Trump’s repeated shifts Trump could still decide that a major escalation is necessary, but critics say his repeated hesitation may reflect an understanding within his administration that military force alone may not be enough to force Iran to back down and end the months-long war. “I think what we’re seeing here is a president who has an approach that’s just rather erratic,” Sen. Mark Kelly, an Arizona Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said on CBS News’ “Face the Nation.” Kelly said Trump appeared to be trying to return to the situation before the conflict began. Trump has made similar threats and then backed away several times during the conflict. In early April, the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire less than two hours before a deadline Trump had set for Tehran to capitulate or face attacks on bridges and power plants. On May 18, after days of threats, Trump announced that he was postponing a major planned strike because “serious negotiations” were underway, while crediting Gulf allies for encouraging restraint. In June, Trump threatened to hit Iran “VERY HARD” and seize its energy base on Kharg Island, but later called off the planned strikes after saying peace talks with senior Iranian officials had made progress. Saudi crown prince influenced Trump’s decision Trump indicated that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman played an important role in his decision to hold back from further escalation. The US president spoke by phone with the Saudi leader on Saturday, shortly before announcing that he was halting the planned strikes. According to a person briefed on the call, the crown prince warned that further escalation could have a serious impact on the global economy if Iran responded by attacking US allies in the Gulf. The person, who was not authorised to speak publicly and requested anonymity, said Saudi officials had told the Trump administration that Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE were capable of defending themselves against potential Iranian attacks. However, Kuwait could be more vulnerable to attacks by Iran-backed militias in Iraq, the person said. Republicans concerned over public opinion Trump has denied that November’s midterm elections are influencing his approach to the Iran conflict, which has already caused concern across the global economy. However, the issue is drawing attention among Republicans. About two-thirds of US adults say the war with Iran has not been worthwhile, according to an AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll published last week. The view is shared by most Democrats and independents, as well as about 37% of Republicans. Sen. John Kennedy, one of Trump’s strongest allies in Congress, said Sunday that the administration should moderate its approach to Iran. Speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” the Louisiana Republican pointed to the destruction caused by the US military in Iran and warned that further escalation could push energy prices even higher and fuel inflation. Kennedy said maintaining sanctions and targeting Iran’s nuclear programme, rather than widening the conflict, could be the better approach for now. “They’re all hellish choices,” Kennedy said. “But for the moment I’d maintain the status quo.”

US President Donald Trump said fresh talks aimed at ending the conflict with Iran would begin on Monday after he called off a new round of military strikes, although Iranian officials insisted their current diplomatic efforts are focused on neighbouring Oman rather than direct negotiations with Washington. Talks between the United States and Iran are seen as key to ending the months-long conflict and restoring normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway that handled about one-fifth of the world's traded oil and natural gas before the war. However, Iran's Foreign Ministry said its current negotiations are with Oman and are limited to ensuring temporary safe navigation through the strategic strait. Trump, who has repeatedly alternated between threatening military action and offering diplomatic solutions, said Monday that "whether Iran wants to admit it or not, we are, in fact, talking." Meanwhile, Israel carried out fresh strikes across the Gaza Strip over the weekend, days after the US and Hamas announced they had reached an agreement for the militant group to disarm, a move seen as a possible step toward ending the war in Gaza. Hospitals in Gaza said at least 17 people, including children, were killed in the latest Israeli strikes. One attack on a residential building in southern Gaza killed three members of the same family, including a four-year-old child, according to Nasser Hospital. The Israeli military said the strikes targeted militants. Trump announces renewed diplomatic push Trump said on Sunday that he had decided against launching major strikes on Iran after appeals from Gulf allies, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. According to Trump, the US military had prepared what he described as "the biggest attack since World War II," but he chose to give diplomacy another opportunity after discussions with Gulf leaders and requests from unnamed Iranian officials. He did not disclose further details about the proposed talks or who would participate. Iran, however, denied holding negotiations with the United States. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said ongoing discussions are only with Oman, across the Strait of Hormuz, and are focused on establishing a temporary maritime route for safe navigation. Trade data platform Kpler reported that nine vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, with most using an Iranian-controlled route. Responding on his Truth Social platform, Trump criticised Iran's leadership, saying it was "unbelievably duplicitous" for publicly denying talks while allegedly requesting meetings. Iranian officials visit Iraq and Pakistan Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived Monday in the Iraqi holy city of Najaf to attend Arbaeen commemorations, one of the largest annual gatherings of Shiite Muslims. His visit comes as Iraq continues balancing relations between Iran and the United States, a task made more difficult following the US-Israel conflict with Iran earlier this year. At the same time, Iran's Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade Mohammad Atabak travelled to Pakistan for talks expected to focus on easing transit bottlenecks and increasing the movement of Iranian cargo through Pakistani ports during the ongoing US naval blockade. During the two-day visit, Atabak is scheduled to attend a meeting of the Iran-Pakistan Joint Trade Committee and meet Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Syria, Iraq discuss regional security Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa met Iraqi Kurdish regional President Nechirvan Barzani on Monday to discuss strengthening cooperation and improving regional security. The meeting took place amid rising tensions following a series of drone attacks by Iran-backed Iraqi militia groups targeting US interests in Iraq, including the Kurdish region. Last month, Syrian authorities said they had intercepted an attempt to smuggle weapons across the Iraqi border that were allegedly destined for the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon. Hezbollah rejected the allegation. Iran executes two convicted of spying for Israel Iran's judiciary announced Monday that it had executed two men convicted of spying for Israel during both last year's 12-day conflict and the current war. State-run Mizan news agency identified them as Omid Behzad and Pouria Safvat, saying they had supplied military coordinates, photographs and intelligence used in attacks on Iranian targets. The agency did not disclose where the executions took place. Last week, Iran also publicly executed two men convicted of killing four police officers during anti-government protests in January. Gaza heat worsens humanitarian crisis Extreme summer temperatures are making life even more difficult for hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians living in makeshift tents across Gaza. The plastic-sheet shelters trap heat during the day and offer little ventilation, forcing many families to remain outdoors for long periods. Aid organisations, including the Norwegian Refugee Council, warned that limited access to clean water, electricity and sanitation, combined with overcrowded camps, has increased the risk of dehydration, heat-related illnesses, skin infections and diarrhoeal diseases. "It's very hot. We can't stay inside the tents. Our tent is made of nylon," said Aida Abu Hadeesha, who was displaced from Rafah in southern Gaza. "There is no breeze, nothing, and our kids are suffering," she said, adding that the intense heat continues throughout the night while flies and cockroaches infest the camps.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Monday visited the earthquake-hit Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan as residents began clearing debris from damaged homes while facing scorching temperatures and ongoing water shortages. The magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on the southern island of Kyushu last Tuesday, killing 38 people, according to prefectural officials. Among the victims was a person who apparently died from heat stroke while sheltering inside a car. Authorities are still investigating the cause of another death. Residents placed piles of rubble, broken furniture and damaged household appliances outside their homes for collection. Construction of temporary housing also began in the towns of Uki and Hikawa for people displaced by the disaster. More than 46,000 households were still without running water on Monday, while many communities were also experiencing fuel shortages. The Japan Meteorological Agency forecast temperatures to approach 40 degrees Celsius, raising concerns over heat-related illnesses. More than 8,500 people remained in emergency shelters, including community centres, school gymnasiums and classrooms, many of which lack air conditioning. Others continued to stay in cars parked near town halls and parks or outside their damaged homes. Disaster experts have long warned that overcrowded shelters with limited sanitation and privacy can make conditions more difficult for displaced people. During her visit, Takaichi toured one of the area's better-equipped shelters, which had cardboard beds, partitions and air conditioning. However, the visit drew criticism on social media, with some users saying it did not reflect the conditions in most evacuation centres. Meanwhile, a local retailer acknowledged that it had instructed two employees, who later died in an explosion at a collapsed shopping mall, to return to the building to secure the day's sales proceeds. Executives of Habita, which operated a store inside the collapsed Aeon Mall in Kashima, attended the funeral wake of 22-year-old employee Kurumi Otake on Sunday and apologised to her family. Company sales manager Goji Yuse admitted the employees had been asked to return to the store if it was safe to place the money in a secure safe. "My daughter is not coming back," Otake's mother told company officials through tears. The mall operator believes the explosion was caused by a gas leak after about 3,000 shoppers had already been evacuated following the earthquake, though some employees remained inside the building. Rescue teams pulled five survivors from the rubble and recovered the bodies of seven others. Authorities said the earthquake injured 114 people, destroyed around 700 homes and damaged more than 11,300 buildings across Kumamoto Prefecture.

Ukrainian drone attacks killed at least five people in different parts of Russia and set fire to another warehouse belonging to Russia's largest online retailer, Wildberries, Russian officials said on Sunday, as both countries continued exchanging long-range drone strikes. Russian authorities said a Ukrainian drone hit a Wildberries warehouse in the Samara region, about 800 kilometres from the Ukrainian border, causing a fire. Regional Governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev said there were no casualties. Wildberries, often compared to Amazon in Russia, has come under repeated Ukrainian attacks in recent weeks. Since mid-July, Ukrainian drones have struck more than a dozen of the company's warehouses as Kyiv seeks to disrupt Russia's economy and logistics during the ongoing war. Russia's Defence Ministry said its air defence systems shot down 635 Ukrainian drones overnight, including some over Russian-occupied Crimea and the Black and Azov seas. The ministry did not say how many drones Ukraine had launched or how many reached their targets. Ukraine's air force, meanwhile, said Russia launched 133 drones overnight, with 24 reaching their intended targets. In Russia's Saratov region, Governor Roman Busargin said two people were killed after a Ukrainian drone hit a residential building. The attack also damaged civilian infrastructure in the cities of Engels and Saratov. Engels is home to a major Russian military airbase, while Saratov has one of the country's large oil refineries. Both cities have been frequent targets of Ukrainian drone attacks. In Russia's Bashkortostan region, Governor Radiy Khabirov said air defences repelled a large-scale drone attack on industrial facilities in the city of Ufa. He said a fire broke out but did not specify which facility had been hit. In the Udmurt Republic, acting regional head Olga Abramova said three civilians were killed and two others injured in a Ukrainian drone strike. She said Russian air defences shot down two drones but a civilian vehicle was damaged during the attack. Meanwhile, Russian strikes also caused casualties in Ukraine. Authorities in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia said a Russian guided bomb hit a residential building, killing one person. In the northeastern Kharkiv region, another Russian attack killed one person and set a postal terminal on fire, according to regional officials. The latest attacks came as both Russia and Ukraine continued to intensify long-range drone and missile strikes deep inside each other's territory.