United News of Bangladesh

Russia’s nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system has officially entered active service in Belarus, the Russian Defense Ministry announced Tuesday, as U.S.-led efforts to broker a resolution to the nearly four-year war in Ukraine reach a critical stage. A ministry video showed mobile intermediate-range ballistic missile vehicles conducting forest maneuvers as part of combat training. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko earlier confirmed the arrival of up to 10 Oreshnik systems in the country. Russian President Vladimir Putin had said the missiles would enter combat duty before year-end, warning that Moscow would pursue further gains in Ukraine if Kyiv and its Western allies rejected Russia’s peace demands. The announcement coincides with high-profile U.S.-mediated diplomacy. President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Florida over the weekend, describing Kyiv and Moscow as “closer than ever” to a deal, though major disputes remain over troop withdrawals and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Putin previously tested a conventional Oreshnik strike in Ukraine in November 2024. He claims the missile’s multiple warheads reach speeds of up to Mach 10 and are virtually unstoppable, with conventional strikes potentially as devastating as nuclear ones. Moscow has warned the West that the missiles could target nations assisting Ukraine with long-range attacks on Russia. Belarusian authorities said the Oreshnik has a range of up to 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles). Russian media highlighted it could reach a Polish air base in 11 minutes and NATO headquarters in Brussels in 17. The missile’s payload—nuclear or conventional—cannot be verified before impact. The deployment underscores Belarus’ growing military and political dependence on Russia. Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya criticized the move, while the country’s history of hosting Russian tactical nuclear weapons and the 2024 revised Russian nuclear doctrine further extend Moscow’s influence. Source: AP 

European and Canadian leaders met virtually Tuesday to discuss U.S.-led efforts to end the nearly four-year conflict between Russia and Ukraine, amid rising tensions over Russian claims, denied by Kyiv, of a drone attack on a residence used by President Vladimir Putin. The talks included European heads of state, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and European institution leaders. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that while “peace is on the horizon,” it is not guaranteed. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that transparency is required from all parties, including Russia. The meeting followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s hosting of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Florida resort on Sunday, during which Trump said Ukraine and Russia are “closer than ever” to a peace agreement. The Russian allegations involved a reported attack by Ukraine on a lakeside residence in Novgorod’s Dolgie Borody area, 400 kilometers northwest of Moscow. Kyiv called the claims false, and Kremlin officials accused Ukraine of attempting to undermine U.S. peace efforts. Observers warn the accusations could disrupt negotiations. According to the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War, Moscow has sought to prolong talks to continue its military campaign, avoid pressure from the U.S., and extract concessions on bilateral relations.

Russian military losses in the war against Ukraine have been rising at their fastest pace since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, according to an analysis by BBC News Russian, as diplomatic efforts led by the United States intensified this year. Over the past 10 months, the number of confirmed Russian deaths has grown sharply. BBC data show that about 40 percent more obituaries of Russian soldiers were published in 2025 compared with the previous year, coinciding with renewed pressure from US President Donald Trump’s administration to reach a peace deal. The BBC, working with independent outlet Mediazona and volunteers, has so far verified nearly 160,000 names of people killed while fighting on Russia’s side. The figures are based on official reports, media publications, social media posts, and newly identified graves and memorials. However, the real toll is believed to be far higher. Military experts consulted by the BBC estimate that confirmed deaths may represent only 45 to 65 percent of the actual number, suggesting total Russian fatalities could range between 243,000 and 352,000. The BBC noted that obituary data, while preliminary, offer insight into the changing intensity of the conflict. In 2025, daily obituary counts peaked during key moments of Russia-US diplomatic engagement, including direct talks between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin and later discussions around a proposed peace framework. An average of more than 320 obituaries per day were recorded in October and November, about double the daily average in 2024, the analysis said. Observers say the Kremlin has sought to make territorial gains on the battlefield to strengthen its position in negotiations. A senior aide to President Putin recently said Russia’s “recent successes” had positively influenced talks with Washington. The data also show a growing share of casualties among so-called volunteers — civilians who signed military contracts after the invasion began. While only about 15 percent of Russian military deaths were volunteers a year ago, the figure has risen to roughly one in three in 2025. Local authorities across Russia have reportedly intensified recruitment drives, offering large financial incentives and targeting people facing debt or criminal charges, allowing Moscow to offset heavy losses without announcing a new mass mobilisation. Despite the rising death toll, Russian officials say recruitment continues to outpace losses. NATO, however, estimates that tens of thousands of Russian soldiers are being killed each month. Ukraine has also suffered heavy casualties in the war, with both sides continuing to pay a high human cost as fighting drags on and peace efforts remain uncertain.   With inputs from BBC

Ukraine on Monday denied Russia’s claim that it carried out a drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences, calling the allegation false and aimed at justifying further attacks. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia’s accusation was “typical Russian lies” and meant to give the Kremlin an excuse to continue its assault on Ukraine. He said Russia itself has previously targeted government buildings in Kyiv. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov earlier claimed Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones overnight at Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region. He said all the drones were intercepted by Russian air defence systems and that there were no casualties or damage. Lavrov said Moscow would review its stance in peace negotiations, accusing Kyiv of engaging in what he called “state terrorism”. However, he said Russia does not plan to withdraw from talks with the United States. In a post on X, Zelensky urged the international community not to remain silent, saying Russia should not be allowed to undermine efforts toward a lasting peace. The Russian claim came after talks between the United States and Ukraine in Florida on Sunday, where President Donald Trump and Zelensky discussed a revised peace plan. Zelensky said Washington had offered Ukraine security guarantees for 15 years, while Trump said an agreement was nearly complete. Zelensky said territorial issues and the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remain unresolved, with little progress on the future of the Donbas region. The White House said on Monday that Trump had a positive call with Putin following the US-Ukraine talks. A Kremlin aide later said Putin raised the alleged drone attack during the call and warned of a strong response.   With inputs from BBC

Italian authorities on Saturday arrested nine individuals connected to three charitable organizations on suspicion of raising millions of euros for the Palestinian militant group Hamas, anti-terrorism prosecutors said. The suspects are accused of transferring around 7 million euros ($8.2 million) to “associations based in Gaza, the Palestinian territories, or Israel, owned, controlled, or linked to Hamas,” according to the prosecutors’ statement. Among those detained was Mohammad Hannoun, president of the Palestinian Association in Italy, described as the “head of the Italian cell of the Hamas organization.” Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by the European Union. Italian prosecutors said the investigation, conducted in coordination with other EU countries, revealed that funds were sent through “triangulation operations” via bank transfers or foreign organizations to associations in Gaza that Israel has declared illegal due to their links to Hamas. Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi tweeted that the operation “exposed activities that, while presented as initiatives supporting the Palestinian population, concealed support for and involvement with terrorist organizations.” There was no immediate response from the suspects or the charitable organizations. In January 2025, the European Council extended restrictive measures against 12 individuals and three entities accused of financing Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Source: AP

Poland scrambled fighter jets near its border with Ukraine after Russian missiles and drones struck Ukraine’s capital Kyiv overnight, killing at least one person and injuring dozens, Ukrainian authorities said. Poland’s military said the move was a preventive step to protect its airspace as fighting intensified close to its border with Ukraine. Later, the armed forces said there was no violation of Polish airspace. Ukraine’s State Emergency Service reported that at least 28 people were injured in Kyiv as multiple buildings were damaged. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia launched nearly 500 drones and about 40 missiles, targeting civilian areas and energy infrastructure. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said thousands of buildings lost power and heating as temperatures dropped below freezing. Emergency officials said 68 residents were evacuated from a retirement home in the city’s eastern Darnytskyi district. Zelensky accused Moscow of trying to prolong the war, saying Russia was using the attacks to inflict further suffering on Ukraine. He urged the United States, Europe and other allies to take strong action against Russian aggression. The strikes came ahead of planned peace-related discussions, with Zelensky expected to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday. Zelensky, EU leaders and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were also expected to discuss peace efforts by phone. Meanwhile, Russia’s defense ministry said its air defenses shot down seven Ukrainian drones overnight. Fighting continues as diplomatic efforts intensify to find a path toward ending the nearly three-year war.   With inputs from BBC

Millions of Afghans are facing acute hunger as cuts in international aid worsen an ongoing humanitarian crisis, with nearly half the population dependent on assistance for survival. Rahimullah, a 29-year-old former Afghan Army soldier, earns about $4.5 to $6 daily selling socks in Kabul to support his family of five. Like millions of others, he relies on aid from both Afghan authorities and international organizations. The International Committee for the Red Cross estimates that 22.9 million people in Afghanistan will need assistance in 2025. Aid reductions, including the suspension of U.S. support for UN World Food Program operations, have left more than 17 million Afghans facing crisis-level hunger this winter, up from 14 million last year. The cuts come amid a struggling economy, droughts, two deadly earthquakes, and the return of millions of Afghan refugees expelled from neighboring countries. Tom Fletcher, the UN humanitarian chief, told the Security Council that nearly 22 million Afghans will require assistance in 2026, with 3.9 million in urgent need. “This winter is the first in years with almost no international food distribution,” he said, noting that only around 1 million vulnerable people received aid during the 2025 lean season compared to 5.6 million in the previous year. Returning refugees have added pressure on housing and food. Abdul Kabir, Minister of Refugees and Repatriation Affairs, said 7.1 million Afghan refugees returned over the past four years. Rahimullah, deported from Pakistan, initially received cash and food aid but now struggles to cover basic expenses, including rent, which has nearly doubled. In northern provinces, families like Sherin Gul’s, with 12 members, face extreme hardship. Once reliant on humanitarian supplies, they now depend on sporadic work and neighbors’ help, often going to bed hungry. Harsh winters and rising fuel costs further compound their struggles. Before the Taliban takeover, many, including Rahimullah and Gul, had jobs that supported their families. Restrictions on women’s employment have left women like Gul unemployed, intensifying the crisis. Humanitarian agencies warn that without renewed aid, Afghanistan risks a worsening food crisis, particularly as cold winter conditions strain families’ limited resources.  

Kosovo heads to a snap parliamentary election on Sunday to resolve a political stalemate that has blocked the formation of a government since February. Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Self-Determination party, which won the most votes in the February 9 election, failed to form a coalition, leaving the country without a government for months—the first such deadlock since Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Kurti’s party remains the frontrunner, but it is uncertain whether it can secure a majority in the 120-seat assembly. Another inconclusive result could prolong the political crisis, leaving the country without a budget for 2026 and heightening economic concerns for its two million residents. Kosovo is also expected to elect a new president in March as President Vjosa Osmani’s term ends in early April. Failure to elect a president would trigger yet another snap election. Serbia continues to refuse recognition of Kosovo’s independence, raising fears of renewed instability in the Balkans, particularly after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. In the February vote, Self-Determination secured roughly 42% of the vote, while main rivals the Democratic League of Kosovo and the Democratic Party of Kosovo together won about 40%. Analysts say even a small shift in support could determine coalition options. Leart Hoxha, a political analyst, said Kurti might partner with minority parties if his vote share improves. Otherwise, the opposition could form a government or a new election may follow in months. Opposition parties accuse Kurti of authoritarianism and straining ties with Kosovo’s U.S. and EU allies since taking office in 2021. Kurti has called on voters to give him another chance, promising a stable government with over 50% support. The election campaign has focused on stability, security, and economic challenges. Former Kosovo National Bank governor Bedri Hamza said citizens complain about rising costs and low salaries. Kurti, a former political prisoner under Serbian rule, has taken a firm stance in EU-mediated talks with Belgrade. He has pledged to strengthen Kosovo’s security and agreed to accept some deported migrants from the U.S. under strict anti-immigration measures. Tensions with ethnic Serbs in northern Kosovo erupted in clashes in 2023, but recent local elections saw peaceful transfer of mayoral power. Kosovo remains one of Europe’s poorest countries and continues efforts to join the EU, contingent on normalizing relations with Serbia.

In his first Christmas Day homily, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the suffering of Gaza’s residents, exposed for weeks to harsh weather, and stressed that global conflicts can only be resolved through dialogue. Celebrating Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, adorned with floral garlands and red poinsettias, the pope reflected on Jesus’ birth in a Bethlehem manger, describing God’s word as “a fragile tent among us.” He drew parallels to the tents of Gaza, the plight of refugees worldwide, and the struggles of the homeless. Leo also noted the vulnerability of populations affected by war and the youth forced into combat, criticizing the falsehoods and pomp in speeches of those sending them to the front lines. “Peace will come when our monologues end and, through listening, we recognize the humanity of others,” he said. Thousands attended the Mass, capturing the ceremony on smartphones. Later, the pope is scheduled to deliver the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing from a loggia overlooking St. Peter’s Square, summarizing the world’s challenges over the past year. This Christmas concludes the Holy Year celebrations, which will formally end on Jan. 6, the Epiphany.  

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he is open to withdrawing Ukrainian troops from the country’s eastern industrial heartland as part of a possible deal to end the war, if Russia also pulls back and the area is turned into a demilitarized zone overseen by international forces. The proposal offers a potential compromise over the Donbas region, one of the most contentious issues in peace efforts with Moscow. Zelenskyy said the idea, discussed with the United States, includes creating a demilitarized free economic zone, though key questions about governance and development remain unresolved. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Zelenskyy outlined a broader 20-point draft plan developed in recent talks between Ukrainian and US negotiators in Florida. He said many elements are still under discussion and any final agreement would need approval through a national referendum. Zelenskyy said a similar demilitarized arrangement could be considered for the area around the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The United States has suggested a joint consortium involving Ukraine and Russia, but Zelenskyy countered with a proposal for a US-Ukraine venture, allowing Washington to decide how to distribute its share, potentially including Russia. Russia has shown no sign it would accept troop withdrawals. Moscow continues to demand that Ukraine give up remaining territory in the Donbas, most of which is already under Russian control. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia would assess the proposals after receiving information from talks between Russian and US envoys, without giving details. Zelenskyy described control of Donbas as the hardest issue to resolve, noting that any demilitarized zone would require complex discussions on troop pullbacks and the placement of international monitors. He said international forces could be stationed at selected points along the contact line to oversee compliance. The draft plan also calls for Russian forces to withdraw from several other Ukrainian regions and includes provisions for strong security guarantees for Ukraine, similar in principle to NATO’s collective defense commitments. Zelenskyy said these guarantees would be detailed in a separate agreement with the United States, to be signed alongside any peace deal. Other elements of the proposal include keeping Ukraine’s peacetime army at 800,000 troops, fast-tracking European Union membership, expanding trade ties with the United States, and launching a massive reconstruction effort aimed at attracting up to $800 billion in investment. The plan also envisions elections after an agreement is signed and the release of all prisoners held since 2014. Zelenskyy acknowledged that Washington has not accepted all of Ukraine’s counterproposals but said positions have moved closer, adding that most areas of consensus have already been reached.