United News of Bangladesh

Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Russia overnight, with Russian authorities claiming their air defenses shot down 660 drones across 12 regions, the Russia-controlled Crimean Peninsula, the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov on Friday. The attack appeared to be one of the biggest drone offensives by Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion more than four years ago. Russia previously reported intercepting 556 Ukrainian drones in its largest recorded attack on May 17 this year. Ukraine has increasingly used long-range drones to hit targets far inside Russian territory, including oil and energy facilities, in an effort to weaken Russia's military operations. Western officials and analysts say the strikes have disrupted fuel supplies and military logistics, putting additional pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russian authorities released few details about the overnight attack. The Russian Defense Ministry did not say which sites were targeted or whether any major damage was caused. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) said its drones struck Russian navy vessels and air defense radar systems in Kerch, a key port city in Crimea. According to the agency, the targets included the reconnaissance and mine-laying ships Volga and Vyatka, as well as the cargo-passenger ferry Petropavlovsk. The SBU claimed the strikes triggered a large fire, although the claim could not be independently verified. The latest drone offensive came hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on X that he had ordered a "40-day influence operation," which is believed to involve stepping up attacks to pressure Russia into ending the war after months of stalled US-led peace efforts. Recent successful drone strikes, including attacks on targets in Moscow and St. Petersburg, have boosted morale in Ukraine. Zelenskyy also said he secured fresh promises of military support from leaders at the recent G7 summit, including US President Donald Trump. He said the additional assistance would strengthen Ukraine's efforts to push Russia toward peace negotiations. A NATO summit scheduled for next month is also expected to discuss further military support for Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that Russia is redeploying a large portion of its air defense systems to protect key locations, including Moscow, as Ukrainian long-range drone attacks continue to strike targets deep inside Russian territory. In a video address late Wednesday, Zelenskyy said Russia has strengthened defenses around Moscow, the town of Valdai, where Russian President Vladimir Putin has a residence, and the Kerch Bridge, a crucial supply route linking mainland Russia with Crimea. According to Zelenskyy, hundreds of air defense missile launchers have been concentrated around Moscow, while nearly 90 launchers have reportedly been moved to Valdai from other regions. Ukraine has significantly increased drone strikes on Russian military and energy facilities in recent months. Kyiv says the attacks have disrupted fuel supplies and military logistics, creating additional challenges for Russian forces more than four years into the war. Ukrainian drones have recently targeted Moscow and St. Petersburg, while Kyiv is also seeking to weaken Russian control over Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014. Zelenskyy suggested that the redeployment of air defense systems could leave other parts of Russia more exposed to Ukrainian drone attacks. He said Ukraine's latest generation of drones can travel more than 1,500 kilometers. "There are growing difficulties for Russia because Putin continues to reject proposals for meaningful talks and a peaceful settlement," Zelenskyy said. Trump praises Zelenskyy US President Donald Trump, who has previously criticized Zelenskyy, offered rare praise for the Ukrainian leader on Wednesday. Speaking at the White House, Trump described Zelenskyy as "courageous" and said he was "doing pretty well" in the conflict. Zelenskyy said he secured commitments for continued international support during the recent G7 summit and expressed hope that additional military assistance would strengthen Ukraine's campaign against Russia. He added that Ukraine's operations, including those targeting Crimea, had been carefully planned and could increase pressure on Moscow to pursue peace negotiations. Ukraine watching Belarus closely Zelenskyy also said Ukrainian intelligence believes Belarus has switched off signal relay equipment that Kyiv claims was used to help guide Russian drones toward targets in Ukraine. Last week, Ukraine demanded that Belarus remove the equipment and warned it could take action if the systems remained operational. Despite the reported shutdown, Zelenskyy said concerns remain about Belarus, which allowed Russian forces to use its territory during the initial invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Ukrainian authorities on Wednesday ordered mandatory evacuations from communities in the northern Chernihiv region near the Belarus border starting July 1. Meanwhile, the Washington-based think tank Institute for the Study of War said Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko continues to balance relations between Moscow and Kyiv, while avoiding direct involvement in the war. Ukraine's military chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, recently said the country is strengthening defenses along its northern border and establishing new drone units in the area. Russian strikes hit gas stations in Ukraine Russia launched one ballistic missile and 90 attack drones overnight, according to Ukraine's air force. A Russian drone strike hit a gas station in the northeastern Sumy region on Thursday morning, injuring four people, including two employees, regional governor Oleh Hryhorov said. He added that Russian forces have targeted gas stations in the region 13 times this month. In the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, another overnight Russian attack injured a woman and damaged a gas station, according to regional governor Ivan Fedorov. Russia's Defense Ministry said its air defense systems shot down 269 Ukrainian drones between late Wednesday and early Thursday. Several Russian airports also temporarily restricted flights during the attacks.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday approved three separate proposals including the import of urea fertiliser from Russia under the direct procurement method and agreements related to a Chinese-backed economic zone in Chattogram. The approvals came at a meeting of the committee following consideration of proposals submitted by the Industries Ministry and the Prime Minister’s Office. Finance Minuster Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury chaired the meeting held at  Secretariat. The fertiliser import proposal was placed by the Industries Ministry. The committee also approved the signing two agreements with Bangladesh CEIZ Company Limited, a Special Purpose Company (SPC) formed for the establishment of the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) at Anwara upazila in Chattogram district. The proposal, submitted by the Prime Minister’s Office, sought approval for the Development Agreement and the Land Lease Agreement to be signed with the company. The Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone is expected to attract foreign investment, facilitate industrialisation and generate employment opportunities in the region. The project is considered one of the majoBr angladesh-China economic cooperation initiatives. The committee also gave nod to another proposal submitted by the Prime Minister’s Office regarding the establishment of a Free Trade Zone. The proposal concerns approval of the portion recommended by the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) based on a report submitted by the committee formed to examine matters related to the establishment of a free trade zone.

Bangladesh is in discussion with Russia to enhance manpower, sending up to 100,000 workers within the next year. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman made a proposal to the Russian authorities on Monday who agreed to work on it expeditiously. Currently, nearly 10,000 Bangladeshis are working in Russia, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two sides are expected to complete necessary formalities in this regard soon. Earlier in his bilateral meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, the Foreign Minister discussed to increase bilateral trade volume and requested Russian government for duty free quota free (DFQF) market access to Bangladesh’s products and urged steps for fast-track registration process for Bangladeshi products. He requested Russia in invest in special economic zones and Hi-Tech parks in Bangladesh including in emerging sectors such as light-to-heavy engineering, food and agro-processing, petrochemicals, steel manufacturing, IT, etc.    Dr Khalilur requested Russia to support Bangladesh for concluding an FTA between Bangladesh and Eurasia Economic Commission (EEC).  Currently, EEC has five members namely Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. In addition, both sides agreed that the trade volume between Bangladesh and Russia is well below the potential. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur emphasised the prospect of rapidly increasing Bangladeshi exports, particularly readymade garments and pharmaceuticals to the Russian market. In this regard, the Russian side welcomed the proposal to host a business delegation from Bangladesh in the coming weeks. The issue of cooperation in the area of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), came up prominently during the visit. The Foreign Minister proposed that a delegation on the application of AI in agriculture and health should visit Bangladesh, to which the Russian authorities readily agreed.  The Russian authorities also expressed interest in assisting Bangladesh in preparing its national AI policy and establishing institutions of excellence in AI in Bangladesh. Dr Khalilur held an official bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister of Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Monday. The two leaders discussed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and their wider engagement and cooperation in the regional and international forums including the United Nations.  Both leaders recollected their friendship began four decades ago when they were representatives of their respective countries to the United Nations. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur recalled the historic contribution of the former USSR during Bangladesh’s Liberation War. The former USSR was one of the first countries to recognize Bangladesh. Both the Foreign Ministers looked forward to the 55th anniversary of their diplomatic relation in 2027. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated their vows to widen and strengthen bilateral relations with Bangladesh. He warmly congratulated Bangladesh Foreign Minister for being elected as the President of the 81st Session of the UNGA.  Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur thanked Russia for its support to his UNGA Presidency candidature. During the meeting, the two leaders took stock of bilateral cooperation in sectors and areas such as industry, power & energy, agriculture, research & technology, culture, education, tourism, transport and defence and resolved to expand and deepen cooperation in these areas.  He sought Russian support for Bangladesh to be an official member of BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to which Russian Foreign Minister replied positively. Thanking the government of Russia for the fuel loading of the first unit of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, the Bangladesh Foreign Minister requested Russian Foreign Minister to extend full support in expediting the commissioning of the second unit as planned.

Armenia goes to the polls on Sunday in a high-stakes parliamentary election widely seen as a decision on the country’s geopolitical direction, as Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan pushes for closer ties with the European Union and the United States despite long-standing links with Russia. Analysts say Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party is still the frontrunner to retain control of parliament. However, several opposition groups campaigning on pro-Russia platforms have turned the vote into a broader contest over Armenia’s international alignment. In the run-up to the election, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other officials have warned that deeper cooperation with the EU could severely damage Armenia’s economy by disrupting trade with Moscow and its allies. “This is the first time in Armenia’s history where geopolitical orientation has become a decisive issue,” said analyst and former MP Mikayel Zolyan, speaking from Yerevan. “Armenia was long assumed to be within Russia’s sphere of influence. Now that is being questioned.” Strained ties after Karabakh conflict Relations between Yerevan and Moscow deteriorated sharply after Azerbaijan took full control of the Karabakh region in 2023. Armenia had supported ethnic Armenian forces there for decades in a long-running conflict. Armenian officials accused Russian peacekeepers of failing to prevent the Azerbaijani advance. Russia rejected the claim, saying its forces had no mandate to intervene, as it was preoccupied with the war in Ukraine. “The idea of Russia as Armenia’s security guarantor collapsed after the Karabakh war,” said Alexander Iskandaryan, director of the Caucasus Institute in Yerevan. Since then, Pashinyan has taken cautious steps away from Moscow, including joining the International Criminal Court in 2023 and suspending participation in the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization in 2024. Armenia has also announced its intention to pursue EU membership and hosted the European Political Community summit in Yerevan in May. A strong electoral mandate for Pashinyan would allow him to continue this Western shift and advance a potential peace deal with Azerbaijan. Western support and incentives Western countries have highlighted potential benefits of closer cooperation. In August, US President Donald Trump hosted Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for an agreement aimed at ending decades of conflict, including plans for a new transit corridor linking Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave. A separate February agreement could allow a US firm to build a new nuclear reactor in Armenia. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has also pledged EU support for Armenia’s energy sector and growing digital industry. Trump has publicly backed Pashinyan, calling him a “great friend” and praising his leadership in making Armenia “strong, wealthy, and very secure.” Opposition favors closer Russia ties Armenia’s opposition remains largely pro-Russia and critical of normalizing relations with Azerbaijan. Several leaders have called for Pashinyan’s resignation over the loss of Karabakh. A total of 19 political forces, including two blocs and 17 parties, are contesting the election. Pashinyan’s main challenger is the Strong Armenia Party, which advocates closer economic ties with Russia and accuses the prime minister of risking conflict with Moscow. It is led by Armenian-Russian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, who is currently on trial over alleged calls to overthrow the government. He denies the charges. Former President Robert Kocharyan also leads the Hayastan bloc, which accuses Pashinyan of damaging ties with Russia. Moscow’s economic pressure Russia, which maintains a military base in Armenia, has warned that a Western pivot could carry serious political and economic consequences. Putin has compared Armenia’s path to Ukraine’s, suggesting EU aspirations could trigger instability. Russian officials have also tightened import rules on Armenian goods, including flowers, wine, cognac, vegetables and dried fruits. Armenia’s membership in the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union has also come under review, with discussions of possible suspension. At a recent meeting in Kazakhstan, Russia and its allies even called for Armenia to hold a referendum on whether it should remain in the bloc or pursue EU membership. Pashinyan has rejected the idea. Government data shows 38% of Armenia’s exports in 2025 went to Eurasian Economic Union countries, mostly Russia, while only 8% went to the EU. In response to Moscow’s measures, the EU announced a 50 million euro support package for Armenia, with von der Leyen accusing Russia of “weaponizing” economic ties. Growing uncertainty and interference concerns Russia’s influence remains strong, particularly through energy supplies and infrastructure control, including discounted gas exports. “Armenia cannot realistically escape Russian influence in the short term,” analyst Zolyan said. Meanwhile, civil society groups have raised concerns about Russian-backed disinformation campaigns ahead of the vote. Moscow denies any interference. Daniel Ionnisyan of the Union of Informed Citizens told the Associated Press that monitoring groups have documented suspected Russian-linked activity, including social media manipulation, cyberattacks, vote buying and pressure on journalists. Similar concerns were raised by a delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, which reported evidence of foreign interference aimed at influencing Armenia’s political process. “These hybrid tactics aim not only to shape public opinion but to secure long-term geopolitical leverage over Armenia,” the delegation said.

Foreign Minister of Bangladesh and President-elect of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly Dr Khalilur Rahman will visit Russia on June 7-9, said the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "Moscow welcomes the intention of the president-elect to give priority to defending the interests of the Global South and East, to promote the rapid achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, to enhance the effectiveness of the General Assembly, and, more broadly, to help restore the UN’s central coordinating role in world affairs,” said the Russian government. The Russian side is committed to constructive and fruitful cooperation with Dr Khalilur, including during his official visit to Russia on June 7-9. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka, however, has not made any official announcement regarding the visit. Dr Khalilur said he is assuming the role “with humility and respect” at a time when confidence in the international system is under considerable strain. His presidency will coincide with one of the most significant processes on the UN calendar, the selection of a successor to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, whose term concludes on December 31, 2026. The 81st session of the General Assembly will open on September 8, with world leaders scheduled to gather at UN Headquarters in New York two weeks later for the annual high-level debate. In a secret-ballot election, Dr Khalilur secured 99 votes while Andreas Kakouris of Cyprus received 91. A total of 190 ballots were cast, with no invalid votes or abstentions.  

Russia has intensified its efforts to obtain Western technology and defense-related information as international sanctions continue to strain its economy and military industries, according to senior European intelligence officials. Officials from Sweden, Finland and Estonia told The Associated Press that Russian intelligence agencies are increasingly using front companies, intermediaries, cyber operations and espionage networks to gain access to advanced technologies restricted by Western sanctions. They said Moscow is seeking equipment, software and research that could help sustain its war effort in Ukraine and strengthen its long-term military capabilities. "Russia knows exactly what it needs and is making major efforts to get it," said Christoffer Wedelin, deputy head of operations at Sweden's Security Service. According to Wedelin, Russia has shown particular interest in advanced manufacturing equipment, industrial machinery and dual-use technologies that can serve both civilian and military purposes. In Sweden, Russian operatives have reportedly targeted the country's defense sector and research linked to sophisticated military systems, including the Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet. Authorities say Russia is also seeking civilian technologies, such as advanced camera and laser systems, that could potentially be adapted for military use. Finnish intelligence chief Juha Martelius said Russia is also trying to acquire technologies that could help it remain competitive with Western countries in the future. These include areas such as space technology, quantum research, Arctic technology and marine technology, he said. Officials noted that Russia continues to face difficulties obtaining computer components, software and updates for industrial equipment due to sanctions imposed after its invasion of Ukraine. Earlier this week, Anne Keast-Butler, head of Britain's signals intelligence agency, accused Russia of continuously targeting the United Kingdom and its European allies through technology theft, sabotage plots and other covert activities. In Sweden, police recently arrested two people suspected of violating sanctions through a company in Turkey that allegedly shipped machine tools to Russia. European intelligence agencies have warned that businesses need to be increasingly cautious, as some companies may unknowingly become part of supply networks helping Russia obtain restricted goods. Officials also said Russia has stepped up cyberattacks against European companies and critical infrastructure. According to Wedelin, Russian-linked actors attempted to disrupt operations at a Swedish power plant last year, although the attack was detected and stopped before causing serious damage. He said the incident marked a shift in Russian tactics, with Moscow appearing less concerned about being identified as the source of cyber operations. "They are taking greater risks to achieve their goals," Wedelin said. At the same time, intelligence officials say Russia's economic situation is becoming more challenging. Kaupo Rosin said a large share of Russia's economy is now devoted to military spending, while sanctions and the prolonged war have contributed to slower growth and persistent inflation. He warned that if Western pressure continues, Russia could face serious financial difficulties later this year despite recent increases in energy revenues. Rosin said intelligence assessments indicate growing concern among Russian officials about the country's economic outlook and the long-term costs of the war. However, Finnish intelligence chief Martelius cautioned against expecting rapid political change in Russia, saying the country's political system operates very differently from those in Western democracies. Russia has not publicly responded to the latest claims made by European intelligence officials.

Russia launched another large-scale overnight drone and missile attack on Ukraine, targeting at least eight regions and injuring more than two dozen civilians, including children, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday. According to Zelenskyy, Russian forces fired 524 attack drones and 22 ballistic and cruise missiles. The heaviest damage was reported in the central Dnipropetrovsk Oblast region, including the city of Dnipro. The attacks came as both Russia and Ukraine have stepped up long-range strikes, despite recent diplomatic efforts by US President Donald Trump to push for a temporary ceasefire from May 9 to 11. The truce had little effect, and there are still no signs of a peace agreement. Last week, Russia launched several deadly attacks on Ukraine, including one in Kyiv that destroyed an apartment building and killed 24 people. Ukraine has also intensified its own drone strikes deep inside Russia. On Sunday, one of its largest attacks reportedly killed at least four people, including three near Moscow, and injured around a dozen others. Over the past four years of war, Ukraine has developed long-range drones capable of hitting Russian oil facilities and other strategic sites, putting pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin as his forces struggle to make major gains on the battlefield. Russia's Defense Ministry said on Sunday that more than 1,000 Ukrainian drones were either shot down or jammed within 24 hours, including about 80 headed toward Moscow. Zelenskyy said Ukraine's expanding strike capability is changing both the battlefield and international views of the conflict. “Our long-range capabilities are significantly changing the situation,” he wrote on social media platform X late Sunday. “Many partners now see what is happening and how attitudes toward this war are changing.” Zelenskyy said the bombardment in Dnipropetrovsk lasted six hours and damaged energy infrastructure and residential buildings. Ukraine's emergency service said at least 26 people, including two children, were wounded in the region. Authorities also reported damage in the Odesa Oblast, Chernihiv Oblast and Zaporizhzhia Oblast regions. Meanwhile, Russia's Defense Ministry said its air defense systems shot down 50 Ukrainian drones between late Sunday and early Monday. Putin is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing later this week as ties between Russia and China continue to strengthen amid Western efforts to isolate Moscow.

Russia carried out dozens of overnight drone attacks on Ukraine, ignoring a unilateral ceasefire declared by Kyiv that came into effect at midnight, Ukrainian officials said on Wednesday. According to Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Russian forces launched 108 drones and three missiles, with strikes continuing through the night into Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry accused Ukraine of violating its own ceasefire, claiming its air defenses intercepted 53 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory, the annexed Crimean Peninsula and the Black Sea between Tuesday evening and early Wednesday. Russia-installed governor of Crimea Sergei Aksyonov said a Ukrainian drone strike killed five people in the city of Dzhankoi shortly after midnight. There had been no indication from Moscow that it would observe Kyiv’s ceasefire, with prospects for a pause in fighting remaining slim as the war enters its fifth year following Russia’s full-scale invasion. On Tuesday, Russian drone and missile strikes killed 27 civilians and injured 120 others in Ukraine, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said. The United Nations estimates that more than 15,000 civilians have been killed since the war began. Fighting has continued along the roughly 1,250-kilometer front line, where Russia’s larger forces are engaged in a prolonged and costly battle against Ukraine’s defense systems. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the unilateral ceasefire after Russia signaled it would observe a separate pause later this week to mark the 81st anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. Zelenskyy warned that any violation of the ceasefire would prompt a military response. European leaders had welcomed Ukraine’s move as a sign of willingness to pursue peace. However, Sybiha said Russia’s continued attacks showed a lack of sincerity in its own ceasefire proposals linked to upcoming commemorations. “Moscow once again ignored a realistic and fair call to end hostilities, supported by other states and international organizations,” he said. He urged the international community to increase pressure on Moscow through additional sanctions, diplomatic isolation, accountability for alleged war crimes, and enhanced military and humanitarian support for Ukraine.

Residents of Slavutych gathered in the early hours of Sunday to mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, lighting candles in a quiet midnight vigil despite the ongoing war with Russia. People slowly filled the city’s central square, placing candles around a large radiation hazard symbol on the ground to remember those who died in the 1986 disaster and the thousands who risked their lives to contain its aftermath. The annual vigil continues even as authorities warn against large gatherings during wartime and curfews remain in place. The April 26, 1986 explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear plant exposed major safety failures and secrecy in the then Soviet Union. Authorities delayed announcing the disaster for two days, only after radioactive fallout had spread across Europe and raised alarms abroad. Around 600,000 people, known as “liquidators,” were involved in firefighting and cleanup efforts. Dozens died within months from the explosion and radiation sickness, while millions were exposed to harmful radiation. The disaster also forced the long-term evacuation of hundreds of towns and villages across Ukraine and Belarus. Slavutych, located about 50 kilometers from the plant, was built after the disaster to house Chernobyl workers and their families. The city has since faced new hardships, including a brief Russian occupation early in the war and severe winters, with recent power outages forcing some residents to cook outdoors. At the vigil, people of all ages arrived, many bringing flowers like tulips and daffodils. They gathered near a memorial surrounded by Soviet-era apartment blocks and posters honoring locals killed in the ongoing war. Liudmyla Liubyva, 71, attended the ceremony with a friend. She said she used to come with her husband, a former Chernobyl worker who later became disabled due to radiation exposure. She said remembering those who sacrificed their health remains important, but added that the war has brought back fears of nuclear danger. "When the drone struck the arch, it felt like the world could return to 1986," she said, referring to a Russian drone strike in 2025 that damaged the New Safe Confinement structure built over the destroyed reactor. "We all — young and old alike — must protect our land, because it is so vulnerable." The ceremony included soft music and poetry about the disaster played over loudspeakers. Some participants wore white protective suits and face masks, symbolising the liquidators, and stood silently holding candles. Larysa Panova, 67, said she still remembers the day she was forced to leave her hometown of Chernobyl and start a new life in Slavutych. Though she has lived there for years, she said memories of her childhood home remain strong. Before the war, she often visited the area, but access has since been restricted. "I never stop thinking of Chernobyl as my homeland," she said. "You remember your school, your childhood, your youth — everything happened there, in Chernobyl."