United News of Bangladesh

Russia on Thursday strongly condemned Israel’s attacks on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, calling them illegal and warning they could trigger a global crisis. Moscow also expressed deep concern for the safety of its personnel working at Iranian nuclear facilities. “We consider the Israeli side’s attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran to be absolutely unacceptable,” Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. She said the strikes violate international law, pose grave risks to global security, and move the world closer to “nuclear catastrophe.” Zakharova specifically highlighted fears over the safety of Russian workers at the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Calling the Israeli strikes “unprovoked aggression,” Zakharova also condemned Tel Aviv’s justification based on nuclear non-proliferation concerns as “outright cynicism.” She urged Israel to immediately stop its attacks and called on the United States to avoid military involvement, warning that any such step would lead to “unpredictable and dangerous consequences.” Sirens sound in Beersheba as Iranian missiles strike The Russian statement comes amid a dramatic escalation in hostilities between Iran and Israel. Tensions spiked after Israel launched sweeping airstrikes last week on Iranian nuclear sites, military facilities, and senior scientists. Iran, which insists its nuclear program is peaceful, responded with missile and drone attacks. Iran’s Health Ministry says over 220 people have been killed and at least 1,800 injured, while the country’s ambassador to Russia claims the civilian death toll nears 300. Israel has reported more than 20 deaths and 800 injuries. Iran Fires Cluster Bomb-Bearing Missiles At Israel As Conflict Enters 8th Day Despite calls for de-escalation, both nations remain locked in deadly confrontation. Source: With inputs from Anadolu 

Russia has said the leadership of Bangladesh should be recognised for creating favourable conditions for the free expression of voters’ will despite external attempts to influence the election outcome. "External attempts to influence the election’s outcome were observed, as we mentioned on November 22 and December 15, 2023," Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on the parliamentary elections and appointment of a new government in Bangladesh. DIFE Service Week starts on Sunday Local observers and over 200 international observers, including those from Russia, have confirmed the legitimacy of the election and its adherence to generally accepted standards, she said. Andrey Shutov, a member of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation, headed the Russian delegation in Bangladesh during the election. On January 11, a new government was formed in Bangladesh, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina being reappointed to the position she previously held. President of Russia Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin extended their congratulations to her on assuming office. Russian PM congratulates Sheikh Hasina The ruling Bangladesh Awami League secured 222 out of the 300 seats in the parliament, winning the majority of votes. "We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the people of Bangladesh on the successful outcome of the election," said Maria Zakharova. Unfortunately, she said, some opposition parties chose not to participate in the election process.