An explosion at a gas station in Russia’s southern region of Chechnya killed at least four people, officials said Saturday. The explosion of a gas tank triggered a fire at the service station in the regional capital, Grozny, said Russia’s Emergencies Ministry, adding that two children were among the dead. The fire was extinguished. Grozny is about 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) south of Moscow. Read: Ukrainian drone strikes another arms depot inside Russia, officials say Regional authorities said a criminal investigation was opened. Last month an explosion at a gas station in the neighboring region of Dagestan killed at least 13 people and injured 23 others.

A Ukrainian drone struck an important arms depot inside Russia, the Ukraine military said Wednesday, three weeks after another drone blasted a major Russian armory and three days after a drone smashed into a key oil terminal in Russia-occupied Crimea. The Tuesday night strike targeted an arsenal in Russia’s Bryansk border region where missiles and artillery munitions were stored, including some that had been delivered by North Korea, a Ukrainian General Staff statement said. Hugely powerful glide bombs that have terrorized civilian areas of Ukraine and bludgeoned Ukrainian army defenses were also kept at the arsenal, located 115 kilometers (70 miles) from the Ukrainian border, and some of the ammunition was stored in the open, it said. “Striking such arsenals creates serious logistical problems for the Russian army, thus significantly reducing (its) offensive capabilities,” the statement said. Russia is expending enormous amounts of ammunition as it makes its advantage in artillery shells felt on the battlefield in a war of attrition that is approaching its 1,000-day milestone next month. Read: New NATO chief Mark Rutte visits Ukraine in his first trip since taking office Its slow but relentless drive deeper into Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region is stretching Ukraine’s resources just as some of Kyiv’s key Western partners are being distracted by domestic concerns and Middle East wars. Ukraine is building up its own arms industry, and authorities have identified drones as an important aspect of that. “Among the key areas identified are drones for our army, and this should be a supply that not only constantly increases in volume, but also evolves and develops in line with the demands of war,” Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video address late Tuesday about weapons production. The Russian military has also improved its drones’ capabilities and expanded their use. Russian drones targeted Ukraine’s southern Odesa region for the third night in a row on Tuesday, injuring five people, regional Gov. Oleh Kiper said. Read more: China, at UN, warns against 'expansion of the battlefield' in Ukraine war However, Ukraine’s air defenses have proved resilient against drones. The Ukrainian air force said Wednesday it shot down 21 out of 22 drones that Russia launched over three Ukrainian regions.

Russian House in Dhaka jointly with R.P. Saha University (RPSU) of Narayanganj district near Dhaka organized a Russian documentary film show. At the beginning of the program, vice-chancellor Manindra Kumar Roy, a Russian higher education alumnus, expressed his gratitude to Russian House for helping to organize this documentary film show. Want BNP to straighten up after election: Foreign Minister While delivering the welcome speech  Pavel Dvoychenkov, Director of Russian House in Dhaka, said that friendly relations between Bangladesh and Russia are important for the politics, economy, trade, and defense of both countries, contributing to the development of education and culture. He explained the role of Russian House in Dhaka, established in 1974, in various developmental activities of the youth and students of Bangladesh, including education and culture. And he also mentioned that the Soviet Union and Russia have always been providing government scholarships to their universities for the purpose of building Bangabandhu's Sonar Bangla in post-independence Bangladesh and for building skilled and experienced manpower for the purpose of building Smart Bangladesh of the current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh and Türkiye can explore greater defence cooperation: Foreign Minister Dr. Manindra Kumar Roy, expressed special thanks for accompanying his university in various activities of the Russian House in Dhaka and he assured that this cooperation will continue in the future. Prior to the start of the documentary films,  Yuri Furletov, Dr.-Ing, Associate Professor of the Advanced Engineering School of Electric Transport, Senior Researcher of the Ground Vehicles Department about the automobile industry in the Russian Federation from Moscow Polytechnic University, took part in an online presentation with the audience. Myanmar soldiers to be sent back, their govt agreed: Home Minister Then the documentary films Aurus. First for First (Authors: Ekaterina Kozhakina, Vitaly Buzuev) and 2052 See the Future (Authors: Artyom Vorobey, Mikhail Barynin) were screened. Students of the university, professors of various faculties and many authorities enjoyed Moscow Polytechnic University's informative presentation and both of the documentary films.

Ambassador of Russia to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytskiy has said the Bengali language holds a special place among other Asian languages taught in Russia and attracts those willing to work in South Asia. "The Russian Embassy in Dhaka is proud to have in its ranks a few Bengali-speaking diplomats," he said. The Ambassador said their skills are not only essential in everyday functioning of the diplomatic mission, but also appear much in demand during various protocol occasions. Bangladesh seeks to import more onion and sugar from India before Ramadan For instance, on October 5, 2023, during the solemn ceremony marking the delivery of fresh nuclear fuel to the Rooppur NPP, the speech of Russian President Vladimir Putin was translated in Bengali in the real-time mode by an alumni of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, known by its Russian acronym as MGIMO, presently working in Dhaka, he said. "While celebrating its professional holiday on February 10, the Russian Embassy in Dhaka extends its warm greetings to the hospitable and friendly people of Bangladesh, who make the work of Russian diplomats a meaningful and cheerful experience," said the Russian Ambassador in a message on Friday. February 10 marks the Diplomatic Worker’s Day – a professional holiday that unites all the employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, working both in Moscow and many missions abroad. Libyan PM greets PM Hasina on her re-election While the holiday was officially established quite recently – in 2002, the choice of the date holds great historic significance, as it goes back to the earliest documented mention of the Ambassadorial Prikaz – Russia’s first department in charge of external relations – in February 1549. The holiday symbolizes the continuity of the Russian diplomatic service, demonstrates its professional unity and noble guiding principles and ideals, said Ambassador Mantytskiy. Throughout the centuries-long history, Russian diplomats have been attaching great importance to learning the languages of those foreign countries where they happen to serve, he said. The understanding and respect for national traditions and habits, aspirations and ambitions have always been the core values professed by the Russian diplomatic service, said Mantytskiy. Women should be proud of PM Hasina for her capability, leadership: India's President From the early 17th century, during the rule of the Russian emperor Peter the Great, Asian countries entered the scope of Russia’s external engagements. The increasing number of trade and political contacts naturally required experts with linguistic and communication skills. "This necessity led to the establishment of relevant educational institutions in Russia," he said. Today, the envoy said, there are many universities offering profound education in Oriental studies, such as the Institute for Asian and African countries and MGIMO University in Moscow, the Oriental Faculty of the Saint-Petersburg State University, the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok, and many others.

Bangladesh and Russia on Wednesday expressed willingness to expand economic ties exploring potential areas and deepen the relations on all fronts. Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud discussed the issues when Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytsky met him at his official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “We have discussed ways to expand the trade basket and more Russian investment in Bangladesh,” Hasan told reporters after the meeting. The foreign minister recalled the role of Russia during the War of Liberation in 1971 and its support in Bangladesh’s rebuilding efforts. During the War of Independence of Bangladesh, the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) stood beside Bangladesh and thwarted international pressures and obstacles in the path to the creation of Bangladesh. Russian Ambassador dismisses claims made by BNP’s Gayeshwar The Soviet Union was also among the first few countries to recognise the newly independent Bangladesh on January 25, 1972. Immediately after the independence of Bangladesh, the USSR extended all-out support to the reconstruction efforts of the war-ravaged country. It also provided its valuable support to Bangladesh in acquiring international recognition and eventually joining the United Nations. Hasan said the two sides discussed some of the MoUs that are pending and laid emphasis on expediting the MoU on Information and Communication Technology cooperation between the two countries. Asked about trade on the Russian currency, he said, “If we can do it with a number of countries, our dependency on some particular currency will lessen. It is not just Russia, with any country. It will be supportive for our economy.” Talking to reporters, the Russian ambassador said they discussed cooperation in the areas of political, economic, technical; cultural and science. “We had a very fruitful discussion.” He said the two countries are also working in the areas of energy and food security. What the US State Department said regarding those arrested in Bangladesh The Russian Ambassador has categorically dismissed the allegations made by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), affirming on Wednesday that the government under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was democratically elected by the citizens of Bangladesh. “I can understand that the choice was made by your people. We do not interfere in the political affairs of any country, especially the friendly country of Bangladesh. It is some kind of misleading information or false information. Do not believe it,” he said, adding that over 41 percent of voters did cast their votes in the January 7 national election. This statement came in response to a journalist’s inquiry about the BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy’s claim.

Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytsky has categorically dismissed the allegations made by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), affirming on Wednesday (January 31, 2024) that the government under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was democratically elected by the citizens of Bangladesh. This statement came in response to a journalist’s inquiry about the BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy’s claim. Gayeshwar had controversially stated that the current government was not chosen by the Bangladeshi people but was instead “installed by foreign powers,” specifically naming India, China, and Russia. The Russian Ambassador emphasized that a significant 41 percent of the electorate participated in the last national election. He further asserted that Russia maintains a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations. Russian Ambassador hopes Dhaka-Moscow relations will continue to thrive The ambassador’s remarks followed his meeting with Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud, where they discussed various bilateral issues of mutual interest. On Sunday, the Foreign Minister said the current government is a “people’s government elected by their votes.” “It is a government elected by the people of Bangladesh,” he said when a reporter drew his attention to BNP’s remarks regarding the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Foreign Minister also highlighted Bangladesh’s foreign policy ethos of “friendship to all, malice towards none,” underscoring the nation’s strong diplomatic ties globally, excluding Israel. “We maintain excellent relationships with major world powers including India, China, Russia, the US, UK, and the European Union, and enjoy good relations with all countries,” he added, further reinforcing the government’s international standing. Only shameless persons can sit in 12th parliament: Gayeshwar

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Md. Tazul Islam has recalled the beginning of the Bangladesh-Russia friendly relations, specifically clearing the Chittagong Port of mines and sunken ships by the Soviet Navy in 1972-1974. He also recalled Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s visit to the USSR in 1972. “Our bilateral relations have become stronger and the two countries are now engaged in a broader area," the Minister noted while speaking as the chief guest at a reception Thursday evening. Chinese Communist Party leader Sun Haiyan meets Speaker Shirin Sharmin The Embassy of Russia hosted the reception on the occasion of the 52nd anniversary of the Russian-Bangladeshi diplomatic relations. The cultural program of the event showcased the signature examples of vocal and dance art of both countries. The artistic team of the Youth Bangla Cultural Foundation presented widely known songs “Chumki is Walking Alone on the Road” and “Scents from my Dearest’s Garden”, as well as traditional dances on the songs “Let the Boat Sail” and “I Beat the Drums of Bangladesh”. India to work together with Bangladesh to prevent wildlife trafficking: Environment Minister The creative team of the Embassy and the Embassy School performed vocal-dance pieces “Slavic folk dance”, “Quadrille” and “Kalinka-Malinka”. Timir Nandi, a renowned Bangladeshi singer who received higher music education in the USSR, sang several popular Soviet songs. Ambassador of Russia to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytskiy reviewed the recent milestones of Russia-Bangladesh bilateral relations. “The strong historic legacy and mutual affection between our countries’ people serve as a solid basis for new accomplishments and shared dreams”, Ambassador said. Process of inking cooperation deal on judiciary with Saudi Arabia begins: Law Minister The event was attended by Cabinet members, Members of Parliament, high-ranking representatives of the government agencies and the military command of Bangladesh, business community, think tanks, universities, media, members of the Soviet/Russian Alumni Assosiation, Bangladesh, as well as heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Dhaka. The guests praised the creative teams’ performing skills.

NATO will launch its biggest military exercises in decades next week with around 90,000 personnel set to take part in months of drills aimed at showing the alliance can defend all of its territory up to its border with Russia, top officers said Thursday. The exercises come as Russia's war on Ukraine bogs down. NATO as an organization is not directly involved in the conflict, except to supply Kyiv with non-lethal support, although many member countries send weapons and ammunition individually or in groups, and provide military training. Davos 2024: Zelenskyy trying to rally support for Ukraine’s fight In the months before President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian troops into Ukraine in February 2022, NATO began beefing up security on its eastern flank with Russia and Ukraine. It's the alliance's biggest buildup since the Cold War. The war games are meant to deter Russia from targeting a member country. The exercises – dubbed Steadfast Defender 24 – "will show that NATO can conduct and sustain complex multi-domain operations over several months, across thousands of kilometers (miles), from the High North to Central and Eastern Europe, and in any condition," the 31-nation organization said. Troops will be moving to and through Europe until the end of May in what NATO describes as "a simulated emerging conflict scenario with a near-peer adversary." Under NATO's new defense plans, its chief adversaries are Russia and terrorist organizations. France gets its youngest-ever prime minister, Gabriel Attal, as Macron shakes up government "The alliance will demonstrate its ability to reinforce the Euro-Atlantic area via transatlantic movement of forces from North America," NATO's Supreme Allied Commander, U.S. General Christopher Cavoli, told reporters. Cavoli said it will demonstrate "our unity, our strength, and our determination to protect each other." The chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer, said that it's "a record number of troops that we can bring to bear and have an exercise within that size, across the alliance, across the ocean from the U.S. to Europe." Dutch anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders has withdrawn a 2018 proposal to ban mosques and the Quran Bauer described it as "a big change" compared to troop numbers exercising just a year ago. Sweden, which is expected to join NATO this year, will also take part. U.K. Defense Secretary Grant Shapps has said that the government in London would send 20,000 troops backed by advanced fighter jets, surveillance planes, warships and submarines, with many being deployed in eastern Europe from February to June.

Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Alexander Mantytskyi, has expressed his country’s keen interest in exporting wheat to Bangladesh. This intention was conveyed today (January 18, 2024) during a courtesy visit to Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder at his office. The meeting, which also included Secretary to the Food Ministry, Ismail Hossain; Director General of the Food Department, Shakhawat Hossain, and other high-ranking officials, served as a platform to discuss a range of issues. Key topics included the progress of Bangladesh’s economy, potential expansion of trade and business relations between the two countries, and wheat export from Russia. Import 300,000 metric tons of wheat from Russia gets cabinet body’s nod Food Minister Sadhan Chandra expressed his gratitude towards the Russian ambassador for the proposal and recognized Russia as a significant development ally of Bangladesh. The discussions highlighted the mutual benefits and opportunities that enhanced trade and investment ties could bring to both nations. Ambassador Mantytskyi underscored the substantial potential for trade and investment that exists between Bangladesh and Russia. He emphasized his government’s readiness to contribute to Bangladesh’s food security goals by capitalizing on these trade opportunities. Discussions underway on possibility of supplying LNG, wheat, fertilisers from Russia: Lavrov The proposed wheat export from Russia to Bangladesh marks a significant step in strengthening the economic and trade relations between the two countries. It reflects Russia’s willingness to play a constructive role in supporting Bangladesh’s ongoing development and food security initiatives.

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.