United News of Bangladesh

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a meeting with US President Donald Trump will take place in the near future, pointing to progress in talks aimed at ending the almost four-year war with Russia. Writing on X on Friday, Zelenskyy said both sides had agreed on a high-level meeting and stressed that Kyiv was not wasting time. He added that many important decisions could be taken before the New Year. The Ukrainian leader made the remarks a day after saying he had a good conversation with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, as Washington steps up diplomatic efforts to push for an end to the war. Trump has been pursuing a diplomatic track, but the talks face major differences between Moscow and Kyiv. Zelenskyy has said Ukraine could consider withdrawing troops from parts of its eastern industrial region as part of a peace plan, if Russia also pulls back and the area becomes a demilitarized zone under international monitoring. Russia, however, has not shown willingness to withdraw from the territories it has occupied. Moscow has instead demanded that Ukraine give up the remaining areas it controls in the Donbas region, a condition Kyiv has rejected. Russia currently holds most of Luhansk and about 70 percent of Donetsk. Fighting continued on the ground. One person was killed and three others injured when a guided aerial bomb hit a house in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region, local officials said. Overnight Russian drone attacks left parts of the southern city of Mykolaiv without electricity, while energy and port facilities were damaged in the Black Sea city of Odesa. Ukraine also said it struck a major Russian oil refinery on Thursday using British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles. The Ukrainian military said the Novoshakhtinsk refinery in Russia’s Rostov region was hit, with multiple explosions reported. A firefighter was wounded while putting out the blaze, according to regional authorities. Kyiv says its long-range strikes on Russian refineries are aimed at cutting Moscow’s oil export revenue, while Russia continues attacks on Ukraine’s power system, which Ukrainian officials say are intended to deprive civilians of heat, light and water during winter.  

Pope Leo XIV during his first Christmas Day message on Thursday urged the faithful to shed indifference in the face of those who have lost everything, such as in Gaza, those who are impoverished, such as in Yemen, and the many migrants who cross the Mediterranean Sea and the American continent for a better future. The first U.S. pontiff addressed some 26,000 people from the loggia overlooking St. Peter's Square for the traditional papal “Urbi et Orbi'' address, Latin for “To the City and to the World,'' which serves as a summary of the woes facing the world. While the crowd gathered under a steady downpour during the papal Mass inside St. Peter's Basilica, the rain had subsided by the time Leo took a brief tour of the square in the popemobile, then spoke to the crowd from the loggia. Leo revived the tradition of offering Christmas greetings in multiple languages abandoned by his predecessor, Pope Francis. He received especially warm cheers when he made his greetings in his native English and Spanish, the language of his adopted country of Peru where he served first as a missionary and then as archbishop. Someone in the crowd shouted out “Viva il papa!'' or ”Long live the pope!'' before he retreated into the basilica. Leo took off his glasses for a final wave. Leo surveys the world's distress During the traditional address, the pope emphasized that everyone could contribute to peace by acting with humility and responsibility. “If he would truly enter into the suffering of others and stand in solidarity with the weak and the oppressed, then the world would change,'' the pope said. Leo called for “justice, peace and stability” in Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, Israel and Syria, prayers for “the tormented people of Ukraine,'' and “peace and consolation” for victims of wars, injustice, political instability, religious persecution and terrorism, citing Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso and Congo. The pope also urged dialogue to address “numerous challenges” in Latin America, reconciliation in Myanmar, the restoration of “the ancient friendship between Thailand and Cambodia,'' and assistance for the suffering of those hit by natural disasters in South Asia and Oceania. “In becoming man, Jesus took upon himself our fragility, identifying with each one of us: with those who have nothing left and have lost everything, like the inhabitants of Gaza; with those who are prey to hunger and poverty, like the Yemeni people; with those who are fleeing their homeland to seek a future elsewhere, like the many refugees and migrants who cross the Mediterranean or traverse the American continent,'' the pontiff said. He also remembered those who have lost their jobs or are seeking work, especially young people, underpaid workers and those in prison. Peace through dialogue Earlier, Leo led the Christmas Day Mass from the central altar beneath the balustrade of St. Peter’s Basilica, adorned with floral garlands and clusters of red poinsettias. White flowers were set at the feet of a statue of Mary, mother of Jesus, whose birth is celebrated on Christmas Day. In his homily, Leo underlined that peace can emerge only through dialogue. “There will be peace when our monologues are interrupted and, enriched by listening, we fall to our knees before the humanity of the other,” he said. He remembered the people of Gaza, “exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold” and the fragility of “defenseless populations, tried by so many wars,’’ and of “young people forced to take up arms, who on the front lines feel the senselessness of what is asked of them, and the falsehoods that fill the pompous speeches of those who send them to their deaths.’’ Thousands of people packed the basilica for the pope’s first Christmas Day Mass, holding aloft their smartphones to capture images of the opening procession. This Christmas season marks the winding down of the Holy Year celebrations, which will close on Jan. 6, the Catholic Epiphany holiday marking the visit of the three wise men to the baby Jesus in Bethlehem.

Al-Shabab continues to pose the most serious immediate threat to peace and stability in Somalia and neighboring countries, particularly Kenya, according to a report released Wednesday by United Nations experts. The panel said that despite sustained pressure from Somali forces and their international partners, the al-Qaida-linked group retains the capability to carry out complex and asymmetric attacks across Somalia. Its operational strength, they noted, has not been significantly reduced. Beyond its ability to strike high-profile targets, including an attempted assassination of Somalia’s president in Mogadishu on March 18, the group also relies on widespread extortion, forced recruitment and a highly effective propaganda network to maintain influence. On Tuesday, the UN Security Council unanimously extended the mandate of the African Union’s support and stabilization mission in Somalia through Dec. 31, 2026. The force comprises 11,826 uniformed personnel, including 680 police officers. The experts warned that al-Shabab also presents a major security risk to Kenya, carrying out attacks ranging from improvised explosive device strikes on security forces to kidnappings, raids on homes, assaults on infrastructure and cattle theft. According to the report, the group carried out an average of about six attacks per month in Kenya this year, mainly in Mandera and Lamu counties along the border with Somalia. The panel said al-Shabab remains committed to overthrowing Somalia’s government, expelling foreign forces and creating a so-called Greater Somalia that would unite ethnic Somalis across East Africa under strict Islamic rule. The experts also examined the presence of the Islamic State in Somalia, noting that ISIL-Somalia has recruited fighters from various parts of the world, mostly from East Africa. By the end of 2024, the group was estimated to have more than 1,000 fighters, at least 60% of them foreigners. While smaller and less well-funded than al-Shabab, the panel said the Islamic State’s expansion still represents a serious threat to security in Somalia and the wider region.  

Algeria’s parliament has passed a law declaring France’s 130-year rule over the North African nation a crime, while formally demanding restitution for land, archives and other property taken during the colonial era. In a late-night vote on Wednesday, 340 of the 407 members of the National Assembly backed the bill, which seeks to address what lawmakers described as long-standing historical injustices. The move comes weeks after several African states jointly called for recognition and reparations for colonial-era abuses. The law defines the colonial period from the 1830 landing of French forces near Algiers to July 5, 1962, when Algeria gained independence. It calls for the return of Algerian archives and property transferred to France, the handover of detailed maps of French nuclear tests carried out in Algeria between 1960 and 1966, and the repatriation of the remains of Algerian resistance fighters taken to France. It also introduces penalties, including prison terms, for actions or remarks within Algeria that praise French colonialism or insult symbols of the country’s anti-colonial resistance. France reacted sharply, calling the legislation a hostile act that could undermine efforts to improve ties. In a statement to The Associated Press, the French Foreign Ministry said Paris would continue dialogue with Algeria, particularly on security and migration, while pointing to steps taken under President Emmanuel Macron to confront aspects of the colonial past. Macron has previously described parts of France’s history in Algeria as crimes against humanity but has stopped short of issuing a formal state apology. French officials have indicated the restitution demands outlined in the law are unlikely to be met. The parliamentary session approving the bill was highly symbolic. Large Algerian flags decorated the chamber as Speaker Mohamed Boughali described the vote as a historic moment, calling the law a clear political and moral statement. Lawmakers broke into chants from the national anthem and slogans hailing Algeria as the decision was announced. Supporters of the bill say it marks the culmination of years of advocacy. Former lawmaker Mohamed Arezki Ferrad, who first proposed the legislation, said the vote honored the memory of those who fought against colonial rule. The law, comprising five chapters and 27 articles, states that crimes committed during the colonial period are not subject to any statute of limitations.

At least five people were killed and more than 30 others injured when an explosion ripped through a mosque during prayers in Maiduguri, a city in northeastern Nigeria, on Wednesday night, police said, indicating it was likely a suicide bombing. Police reported that 35 worshippers sustained injuries in the blast. Nahum Daso, spokesman for the Borno State police command, said debris believed to be from a suicide vest was recovered from the scene. The attack adds to a long string of violence in Nigeria’s restive north, where security forces are fighting several armed groups, including Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province. According to the United Nations, the insurgency that began in 2009 has claimed thousands of lives and forced millions of people to flee their homes. Although no group has claimed responsibility for the latest attack, suicide bombings have long been associated with Boko Haram, which has carried out numerous similar assaults in the region. Security analysts note that while the group’s use of suicide bombers has declined in recent years, it remains capable of carrying out such operations. In July 2024, coordinated suicide attacks at a wedding in Borno renewed concerns about a possible resurgence of the tactic. 

Venezuela’s parliament on Tuesday approved a measure that criminalizes a wide range of activities that disrupt navigation and commerce, including the seizure of oil tankers, in a move seen as a response to U.S. actions against the country. The bill, debated and approved within two days in the National Assembly, follows this month’s U.S. seizures of two tankers carrying Venezuelan oil in international waters, part of President Donald Trump’s four-month campaign to pressure Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The U.S. has said the vessels are part of a fleet used by Venezuela to bypass economic sanctions. Although the National Assembly, controlled by Maduro’s party, did not immediately publish the full text, the measure provides fines and prison sentences of up to 20 years for anyone who “promotes, requests, supports, finances or participates in acts of piracy, blockades or other international illegal acts” against commercial entities doing business with Venezuela. The bill, awaiting Maduro’s signature, also directs the executive branch to develop “incentives and mechanisms for economic, commercial and other protections” for national or foreign entities affected by piracy, maritime blockades, or other unlawful acts. Venezuela’s political opposition, including Nobel Peace laureate María Corina Machado, has expressed support for U.S. measures, saying Maduro’s days in power are numbered. Earlier this month, the U.S. Coast Guard seized a Panama-flagged tanker, Centuries, and, with Navy support, another vessel, Skipper, alleging they were transporting sanctioned Venezuelan oil. Following the first seizure, Trump announced a “blockade” of Venezuela and demanded the return of assets previously seized from U.S. oil companies. At a U.N. Security Council meeting called by Venezuela, U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz described sanctioned tankers as Maduro’s primary economic lifeline, funding “narco-terrorist activities” and the Cartel de los Soles. Maduro was indicted in 2020 in the U.S. on narcoterrorism charges linked to the cartel, a network of high-ranking Venezuelan officials involved in drug and fuel trafficking. Venezuela’s U.N. Ambassador Samuel Moncada accused the U.S. of acting outside international and domestic law, calling the seizures a “military act” aimed at crippling the country’s economy and social cohesion. The move has raised concerns globally over potential violations of international maritime law, with most U.N. member states stressing the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, though a few countries, including Panama and Argentina, have supported U.S. actions.

President Donald Trump’s newly appointed envoy to Greenland said Tuesday the U.S. is seeking dialogue with residents of the semi-autonomous Danish territory, and is not aiming to seize or control the strategically important Arctic island. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, speaking publicly for the first time since his appointment, stressed that the administration will not “go in there trying to conquer anybody” or take over another country. Landry’s remarks appeared to contrast with Trump’s repeated statements advocating U.S. control over Greenland for security reasons, including the possibility of military involvement to secure the mineral-rich island. “We should be talking to the Greenlanders directly,” Landry said on Fox News’ “The Will Cain Show.” “What are they looking for? What opportunities have they not received? Why haven’t they gotten the protection they deserve?” Trump’s appointment of Landry has again raised concerns in Denmark and across Europe. Danish officials said they would summon the U.S. ambassador to discuss the issue. “National borders and the sovereignty of states are rooted in international law,” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen said in a joint statement Monday. “You cannot annex another country, even under the guise of international security.” Trump had previously called for U.S. jurisdiction over Greenland during his presidential transition and early second term. Vice President JD Vance visited a U.S. military base on the island in March, criticizing Denmark for under-investment. The issue resurfaced in August after Danish officials reported covert influence operations in Greenland linked to Trump associates. Danish authorities said the U.S. administration gave no advance notice of Landry’s appointment, and Congress has yet to receive details. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, criticized the timing of the move. “Greenland’s sovereignty is not up for debate,” she said. “Denmark is a critical NATO ally that has stood side by side with the U.S.”  

The United States and Ukraine have reached agreement on most elements of a proposed peace framework aimed at ending the nearly four-year war, but sharp differences remain over territorial control in eastern Ukraine and the future management of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. Zelenskyy said a 20-point draft plan, prepared after lengthy talks in Florida, has been shared by the US with Russian negotiators. Moscow is expected to respond on Wednesday. Briefing reporters, the Ukrainian leader said the proposal largely reflects Kyiv’s positions and combines political and economic measures to ensure security while supporting post-war recovery. However, he described disputes over Donetsk territory and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant as the most difficult issues, to be decided at the leaders’ level. Russia continues to demand that Ukraine give up remaining parts of the Donbas region it does not control, a demand Kyiv has rejected. Moscow currently occupies most of Luhansk and about 70 percent of Donetsk. To bridge differences, the US has suggested turning contested areas into free economic zones. Ukraine insists any such arrangement must be approved through a referendum, along with demilitarization of the area and deployment of international forces to maintain stability. Zelenskyy said no consensus has yet been reached with Washington on Donetsk or the Zaporizhzhia plant, though agreement has been found on most other points. Under the draft, the current contact line across five regions would be frozen once an agreement is signed. Ukraine proposes a 60-day ceasefire period to allow time for a referendum on any free economic zone. The plan also calls for Russian troops to withdraw from Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy and Kharkiv regions, with international forces stationed along the contact line to monitor compliance. The Zaporizhzhia plant remains another major sticking point. The US has proposed joint operation involving Ukraine, the US and Russia, each with equal shares. Kyiv has countered with a joint venture with the US, allowing Washington to decide how its share would be distributed. Zelenskyy said billions of dollars would be needed to restore the plant and related infrastructure. The draft also includes strong security guarantees for Ukraine, similar to NATO’s Article 5, to be detailed in a separate bilateral agreement with the US. Monitoring mechanisms would rely on satellite and early warning systems. Other provisions include maintaining Ukraine’s armed forces at 800,000 in peacetime, fixing a timeline for EU accession, accelerating a US-Ukraine free trade agreement, and launching a large reconstruction and development package aimed at mobilising up to $800 billion. The proposal also envisages elections in Ukraine after the agreement is signed, as well as the release of all prisoners held since 2014 and the return of civilian detainees and children to Ukraine.  

Iran and the United States reiterated their commitment to diplomacy during a tense U.N. Security Council meeting Tuesday, yet major differences over a nuclear agreement persist. Iran’s U.N. Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said Tehran remains committed to “principled diplomacy” and called on France, Britain, and the U.S. to take concrete steps to rebuild trust. He reaffirmed Iran’s adherence to the 2015 nuclear deal, which limits its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. U.S. Mission counselor Morgan Ortagus stressed that Washington is open to talks but only if Iran engages in direct, meaningful negotiations. She warned against Iran’s uranium enrichment, a key sticking point. Irvani criticized U.S. demands for zero enrichment as unfair, saying continued support from France and Britain could “effectively destroy diplomacy.” Meanwhile, Iran has accelerated uranium enrichment to 60%, nearing weapons-grade levels, prompting the three Western powers to reinstate sanctions under a “snapback” mechanism. Tensions drew sharp exchanges at the council, with Russia accusing France of failing in past diplomatic efforts. Source: AP 

A light aircraft operated by the Mexican Navy crashed near Galveston, Texas, on Monday while transporting a child for medical care, killing at least five people and prompting a search in nearby coastal waters, authorities said. The plane was carrying eight people in total—four Mexican Navy officers and four civilians, including a child—according to Mexico’s Navy. U.S. officials did not immediately specify which passengers were among the confirmed fatalities. Two of those on board were affiliated with the Michou and Mau Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps Mexican children suffering from severe burns. The crash occurred Monday afternoon near the base of a causeway close to Galveston, roughly 50 miles southeast of Houston. Officials said the cause of the incident has not yet been determined. In a statement, Mexico’s Navy said the aircraft was conducting a medical mission when it was involved in an accident. The Navy said it would investigate the incident and is cooperating with U.S. authorities in search-and-rescue efforts. Teams from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board responded to the scene, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. An NTSB spokesperson confirmed the agency is aware of the crash and is collecting information. The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office said multiple units—including dive teams, patrol officers, drones, and crime scene investigators—were deployed. Authorities asked the public to stay clear of the area so emergency crews could operate safely. Officials have not confirmed whether weather played a role, though the region has experienced fog in recent days. A National Weather Service meteorologist said visibility dropped to about half a mile around the time of the crash.