United News of Bangladesh

President Donald Trump is preparing to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of the White House’s renewed effort to broker peace in the three-year-long conflict in Ukraine. Putin’s foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, said Thursday that the summit could happen as early as next week, though no official date has been confirmed. He also downplayed the chance that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would attend the meeting. If it takes place, this would be the first U.S.-Russia summit since former President Joe Biden’s 2021 meeting with Putin. However, the likelihood of an immediate breakthrough remains uncertain, as Moscow and Kyiv continue to hold vastly different positions on peace terms. Kremlin confirms upcoming meeting between Trump and Putin Timeline of Key Efforts to End the Ukraine War:Feb 28, 2022: Ukrainian and Russian delegations meet in Belarus soon after Russia’s full-scale invasion. Talks continue but only lead to humanitarian corridor agreements.March 21, 2022: Zelenskyy offers direct talks with Putin and proposes Ukraine’s non-NATO membership in exchange for a ceasefire and security guarantees. Russia rebuffs the offer.March 29, 2022: Talks in Istanbul see Moscow open to scaling back military operations; Kyiv remains open to neutral status if security is guaranteed.April 7, 2022: Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov rejects Ukraine’s peace proposal, accusing Kyiv of reneging on prior agreements concerning Crimea.July 22, 2022: With Turkey and UN mediation, Russia and Ukraine agree to unblock grain exports from Black Sea ports, easing global food concerns.Sept 30, 2022: Russia annexes four Ukrainian regions illegally; Ukraine responds by applying for NATO membership and declaring talks with Putin “impossible.”Dec 7, 2024: Trump, as U.S. President-elect, meets Zelenskyy and European leaders in Paris.Feb 12, 2025: Trump and Putin agree to start peace talks, ending years of U.S.-led isolation of Russia over Ukraine.Feb 18, 2025: Russian and U.S. officials meet in Saudi Arabia to pursue war termination and restore ties; Ukraine is not invited.Feb 28, 2025: Zelenskyy meets Trump and others in the Oval Office; a minerals deal remains unsigned amid tensions.March 11, 2025: U.S. and Ukrainian officials agree on a 30-day ceasefire plan; Kyiv accepts.March 13, 2025: Putin effectively rejects the ceasefire, stating unresolved issues; meets U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff multiple times.March 18, 2025: Temporary pause on energy infrastructure strikes agreed but later violated by both sides.April 19, 2025: Putin declares a 30-hour Easter ceasefire, but fighting continues.April 28, 2025: Kremlin announces a 72-hour Victory Day ceasefire starting May 8; Kyiv favors a longer 30-day truce. Both accuse each other of violations.May 11, 2025: Putin proposes unconditional talks in Istanbul; Zelenskyy invites him to meet.May 15, 2025: Direct talks resume in Istanbul; follow-up meetings in June and July yield limited progress beyond prisoner exchanges.July 14 & 28, 2025: Trump threatens severe tariffs on Russia and countries buying Russian oil unless peace is achieved within weeks.Aug 6, 2025: U.S. envoy Witkoff meets Putin in Moscow ahead of Trump’s deadline. The Kremlin confirms a Trump-Putin meeting is planned, with date yet to be set.The outcome of this potential summit remains uncertain as both sides maintain deep divisions over the conflict’s resolution.   Source: Agency

Israeli national airline El Al on Thursday reported that its Paris office was vandalized with anti-Israel graffiti, describing the act as “deeply disturbing” at a time when tensions between France and Israel continue to escalate. The graffiti was discovered early Thursday morning. El Al confirmed that the office was vacant during the incident and no injuries were reported. Images circulated on social media showed red spray paint defacing the office's glass doors and walls, including the phrase “El Al genocide airline.” In a statement, the airline said it was treating the matter with “utmost seriousness” and was working in close coordination with both French and Israeli authorities. El Al also issued a strong condemnation of all forms of violence and hatred, saying its aircraft “proudly” bear the Israeli flag. Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev also denounced the act, accusing French President Emmanuel Macron’s policies of contributing to the situation. “Today it’s El Al, tomorrow it’s Air France,” Regev posted on social media. “When President Macron makes declarations that reward Hamas, this is the outcome.” Former Israeli Security Chiefs Call for End to Gaza War as Netanyahu Plans Next Military Move The incident follows recent diplomatic strain between the two nations after Macron expressed support last month for recognizing a Palestinian state — a position welcomed by some European allies but firmly rejected by Israel. Israel’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the vandalism, calling it an antisemitic attack. The ministry urged the French government to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of El Al staff and property, and to bring those responsible to justice. The attack comes amid a spate of antisemitic incidents in France. In May, multiple Jewish sites in Paris — including the Shoah Memorial, three synagogues, and a Jewish restaurant — were defaced with green paint. France hosts the largest Jewish community in Western Europe, with an estimated population of 500,000 — about 1% of the country’s population. Authorities and Jewish organizations have expressed growing concern over the rise in antisemitic acts in recent years, especially following the October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel in 2023. Reports have pointed to a sharp increase in threats, physical assaults, vandalism, and harassment targeting Jewish individuals and institutions.  

A Sudanese military airstrike targeted an airport in the Darfur region that was under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group. The strike reportedly destroyed an Emirati military aircraft and killed around 40 suspected mercenaries, according to Sudanese officials and an advisor connected to a Darfur rebel faction aligned with the RSF. The attack took place on Wednesday at Nyala Airport. According to two military officials and the rebel advisor — all of whom spoke anonymously due to safety concerns and lack of authorization — the strike also obliterated a cache of weapons and equipment allegedly sent by the United Arab Emirates to support the RSF. Sudan has been in turmoil since April 2023, when escalating tensions between the national military and the RSF sparked a violent conflict that has since evolved into a civil war. The ongoing violence has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, displaced more than 14 million people, and pushed parts of the country into famine. Sudan Warns Against Foreign Involvement State-run Sudanese television reported that the aircraft had originated from a military base in the Gulf region and was struck after landing in Nyala. The government framed the strike as a direct warning to foreign powers, calling it a “new equation of deterrence” against external interference in Sudan’s internal affairs. The UAE has not responded to requests for comment, though it has repeatedly denied involvement in the Sudanese conflict or providing support to armed factions. The RSF has also not issued a statement. Following the reports, Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated on social media platform X that he had launched an investigation into the deaths of the alleged Colombian mercenaries. The RSF captured Nyala, capital of South Darfur, last year and has since used the city's civilian airport for military purposes, according to Sudanese authorities. The government accuses the group of using the site to receive weapons and export gold. The military has carried out multiple strikes on the airport, claiming it is targeting flights delivering arms and foreign fighters to the RSF. A United Nations report published in April confirmed that Colombian mercenaries were present in Darfur, having been contracted by a private security firm to assist the RSF. The Colombian government acknowledged the presence of its nationals and created a special task force to help bring them back safely. Tensions Rise Between Sudan and UAE Meanwhile, Sudan’s Civil Aviation Authority reported that the UAE abruptly blocked Sudanese planes from landing at its airports on Wednesday — a move described as “unexpected and uncoordinated.” A Sudanese aircraft was also reportedly prevented from departing Abu Dhabi, as per the state news agency SUNA. The UAE has yet to comment on the alleged flight restrictions. Diplomatic relations between Sudan’s military-led government and the UAE have deteriorated over allegations that Abu Dhabi is backing the RSF. Earlier this year, Sudan officially cut ties with the UAE over the accusations.  

The Kremlin on Thursday confirmed that an upcoming meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump has been agreed upon, as a new Gallup poll revealed a growing desire among Ukrainians for a negotiated end to the ongoing war. Russian foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov said that while the venue has been decided, details of the meeting will be announced at a later date. This would mark the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders since Trump returned to the White House earlier this year. Although a potential meeting is seen as a key development in the over three-year-long conflict, there are no guarantees that it will result in peace, as both sides remain entrenched in their respective positions. Ukrainians shifting towards peace talks Gallup's latest survey signals a significant change in public sentiment in Ukraine. In contrast to 2022, when nearly 75% of Ukrainians supported fighting until victory, the latest data shows that just around 25% now share that view. About 70% of respondents now favour negotiations to reach a settlement. The poll, conducted in early July among Ukrainians aged 15 and older, excluded areas under long-term Russian control. It comes amid intensifying battles along the 1,000-kilometre front line, where Russia’s larger military force continues to make slow advances. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, over 12,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed in Russian strikes, according to the United Nations. US approval drops, Germany gains favour Ukrainian public approval of the United States government has seen a sharp decline, dropping from 66% three years ago to just 16% in the latest poll. This reflects increasing unease over Washington’s stance under President Trump, who took office in January. By contrast, approval of Germany’s leadership has risen to 63%, up from previous years, highlighting shifting attitudes among Ukrainians towards key Western allies. Diminishing hope for NATO and EU membership Optimism over Ukraine’s accession to NATO and the European Union has also declined. Only one-third of Ukrainians now believe the country will join NATO within the next decade, a drop from two-thirds in 2022. About one-third believe NATO membership will never happen. Regarding EU membership, 52% expect Ukraine to join within ten years, down from 73% in 2022. Meanwhile, Trump has issued a deadline for Russia to halt its military operations by Friday or face tougher economic sanctions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had earlier expressed willingness to meet with Putin, but Moscow has so far rejected the offer, holding firm to its demands. Source: Agency

The crash of a military helicopter in Ghana on Wednesday killed all eight people aboard including the West African country's defense and environment ministers and other top officials, the government said. The Ghanian military said the helicopter took off in the morning from the capital, Accra, and was heading northwest into the interior toward the gold-mining area of Obuasi in the Ashanti region when it went off the radar. The wreckage was later found in the Adansi area of Ashanti. The cause of the crash was not immediately known, and the military said an investigation was underway. Defense Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed were killed alongside the vice-chair of the National Democratic Congress ruling party, a top national security adviser, and crew members. Mourners gathered at the Boamah's residence as well as at the party's headquarters, and Ghana’s government described the crash as a “national tragedy.” State media reported that the aircraft was a Z-9 helicopter that is often used for transport and medical evacuation. An online video of the crash site shows debris on fire in a forest as some citizens circle around to help. Wednesday’s crash was one of Ghana's worst air disasters in more than a decade. In May 2014, a service helicopter crashed off the coast, killing at least three people. In 2012, a cargo plane overran the runway in Accra and crashed into a bus full of passengers, killing at least 10 people.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, in Moscow on Wednesday — just days before a White House deadline for Russia to agree to a peace deal with Ukraine or face harsh new economic penalties. These potential measures could also target countries, like China and India, that continue buying Russian oil. The Kremlin confirmed the meeting lasted around three hours but didn’t immediately release any details. Earlier in the day, Witkoff was seen walking through Moscow’s Zaryadye Park with Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s top envoy for economic cooperation. Dmitriev, who has previously been involved in Russia-Ukraine and Russia-U.S. negotiations, later posted on X that “dialogue will prevail.” Despite multiple rounds of talks, efforts to end the three-year war — sparked by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine — have seen little progress. Trump’s deadline for Putin expires Friday, with Washington warning of “severe tariffs” and other economic actions unless Russia halts its attacks. Trump has grown increasingly critical of Putin’s continued strikes on Ukrainian civilians, which he believes are aimed at breaking the country’s morale. Trump’s envoy reaches Moscow ahead of Russia-Ukraine peace deadline: Russian media Just hours before the Moscow meeting, Russian forces launched a deadly attack on a recreation center in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region, killing two and injuring 12, including children, according to local officials. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strike as senseless and cruel, noting that Russia also targeted the country’s energy infrastructure ahead of winter. Western analysts say Putin is delaying serious peace talks while his forces continue advancing in Ukraine, albeit slowly and at high cost. Despite setbacks, the Kremlin appears determined to seize more territory. Speaking Tuesday, Trump said he would decide soon whether to follow through on tariffs targeting countries that import Russian oil. “We have a meeting with Russia tomorrow,” he said. “We’ll see what happens.” He added that no final tariff rate has been set yet. Escalating U.S. pressure on the Kremlin risks deepening already tense relations. A recent report from the Center for European Policy Analysis warned that Russia appears to be preparing for broader confrontation with NATO, citing increased military activity along its western border. Putin, meanwhile, has continued to strengthen military ties with China, Iran, and North Korea. NATO said Tuesday it has begun coordinating the delivery of heavy weapons to Ukraine, with most equipment purchased from the U.S. by European allies and Canada. The Trump administration has chosen not to supply Ukraine with weapons directly. Putin has shown no sign of backing down. He recently announced that a new hypersonic missile, which he claims cannot be intercepted by NATO defenses, is now operational. Russia also declared Tuesday that it is no longer bound by a moratorium on deploying intermediate-range nuclear missiles — a move that could trigger a new arms race. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned that the Ukraine war could escalate into direct conflict between Russia and the U.S. In response, Trump ordered two American nuclear submarines to be repositioned. The Kremlin welcomed Witkoff’s visit, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov calling the talks “important and very useful.” Initially, Trump gave Moscow a 50-day deadline but shortened it as Russian attacks intensified. Still, Trump has voiced skepticism about sanctions' impact, saying on Sunday that Russia has shown skill in evading them. “They’re wily characters,” he remarked. While Russia claims sanctions have had limited effect, Ukraine argues they are undermining Russia’s war effort and has urged Western nations to toughen their enforcement. Source: Agency

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hinted at broader military operations in Gaza, despite rising domestic pressure from former military and intelligence leaders calling for an end to the protracted conflict. The remarks came amid a staggering humanitarian toll, as Gaza's Health Ministry reported the Palestinian death count has now exceeded 61,000. On Tuesday, several Palestinians seeking food aid were killed, further intensifying global concern over the crisis. In response, Israel's defense agency overseeing aid pledged to ease restrictions through a new arrangement with local merchants to improve access. In a rare public statement, former chiefs of Israel’s military, Mossad, and Shin Bet — joined by ex-Prime Minister Ehud Barak — criticized far-right elements in the government for prolonging the war. In a video circulated online, Yoram Cohen, former Shin Bet head, dismissed Netanyahu’s war goals as unrealistic. “It’s a fantasy to believe we can reach every terrorist and weapon while also securing the release of all hostages,” Cohen said. Cabinet meets on next phase of war Netanyahu held a Security Cabinet meeting Tuesday to discuss the military's next steps, suggesting a possible intensification of operations. However, no immediate decisions were announced. Reports in Israeli media suggest friction between Netanyahu and Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir. The prime minister is reportedly pressing for a full takeover of Gaza, a move critics say could jeopardize the lives of hostages and worsen the humanitarian situation. Zamir is said to oppose the strategy and may resign if it proceeds. The Israeli military has not commented on the reports. Civilians killed amid food desperation At least 45 Palestinians were killed Tuesday in central and southern Gaza, including in incidents where Israeli forces reportedly fired on crowds near aid distribution sites. Gaza’s Health Ministry said 26 people died in the Morag Corridor — a military zone — where desperate residents were looting UN aid convoys. Another six were killed in Teina, near a site run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an Israeli-approved American aid contractor. Al-Awda hospital confirmed receiving bodies of six people killed in similar circumstances near a GHF site. While the GHF reported no incidents at its facilities on Tuesday, violence continues to erupt around UN-operated distributions. The Health Ministry, run by Hamas, does not distinguish between civilians and militants, though it says roughly half of the casualties are women and children. Despite this, the UN and international agencies generally consider its data credible. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes. Sami Arafat, a father of seven, said the area near the Morag Corridor was a "rubble-strewn battlefield," where Israeli forces opened fire as people swarmed aid trucks. Looters reportedly seized sugar to resell, ignoring basic staples like rice. Mounting hunger and desperation Mohammed Qassas, a father from Khan Younis, said he has no choice but to fight for food. “If we fight, we get food. If not, we starve,” he said. Witnesses say many men return from food lines not just with flour, but with the bodies of those killed. While Israel has recently relaxed some restrictions to allow private-sector aid entry, aid agencies say the measures are insufficient. Airdrops from international allies continue, but the UN calls them inefficient and risky compared to ground convoys. Grief and fury on the ground The toll of the war is reflected daily in funeral prayers across Gaza. “We are unarmed people — we can’t take this anymore,” cried Maryam Abu Hatab outside Nasser Hospital. Ekram Nasr, who lost her son to Israeli fire, described retrieving his body alone. “I picked up the pieces of my child from the streets — like scraps of meat,” she said. “The world is watching, but we are at our limit.”

U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, arrived in Moscow this week, days before a White House-imposed deadline for Russia to reach a peace agreement with Ukraine or face sweeping economic penalties, according to Russian state media. Footage aired by TASS showed Witkoff walking through Moscow’s Zaryadye Park near the Kremlin with Kirill Dmitriev, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s envoy for investment and economic cooperation. Dmitriev has played a prominent role in recent peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, as well as in ongoing U.S.-Russia discussions. It remains unclear whether Witkoff will meet President Putin during his visit. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov welcomed the trip, calling the talks with Witkoff “important, substantive and very useful.” Europe’s top court to rule on Russia-Ukraine cases President Trump has given Moscow a deadline until Friday to halt its offensive in Ukraine and agree to a peace framework. Failure to comply could lead to severe tariffs and additional economic measures, including potential secondary sanctions targeting countries that continue to import Russian oil, such as China and India. Despite Trump’s pressure, the Kremlin has not shifted its stance, and Russian forces continue to make advances on the battlefield. While Ukraine continues to defend key areas, it is reportedly losing ground in some front-line regions. Trump initially provided a 50-day deadline, later accelerating it as Russia intensified strikes on Ukrainian cities. Speaking Sunday, Trump acknowledged Russia’s resilience under sanctions, saying, “They’re wily characters,” and noted that Moscow has been “pretty good at avoiding sanctions.” The Kremlin maintains that international sanctions since the February 2022 invasion have had limited impact. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to urge the West to impose tougher secondary sanctions on Russia’s energy, trade, and financial sectors, insisting such measures are affecting Russia’s war capabilities.   Source: Agency

Japan’s Hiroshima on Wednesday commemorated the 80th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing, with aging survivors voicing concern over the growing global acceptance of nuclear weapons as deterrence. The ceremony, held at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, was attended by around 55,000 people, including delegates from a record 120 countries and regions. A minute of silence was observed at 8:15 a.m., the exact time the atomic bomb was dropped on August 6, 1945, killing 140,000 people by the end of that year. With survivors now averaging over 86 years old, many fear this could be the final milestone anniversary they witness. “There will be nobody left to pass on this sad and painful experience in 10 or 20 years,” said Minoru Suzuto, 94, after offering prayers at the cenotaph. “That’s why I want to share my story as much as I can.” Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui used his speech to urge the international community to reject nuclear deterrence policies, warning they endanger hard-won global peace frameworks. “These developments flagrantly disregard the lessons of history,” he said. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reiterated Japan’s commitment to a nuclear-free world, but stopped short of supporting the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, citing Japan’s reliance on the U.S. nuclear umbrella. Survivors and groups like Nihon Hidankyo, a Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization, expressed disappointment over the government’s stance and the rise in pro-nuclear rhetoric amid global conflicts. “We are facing a greater nuclear threat than ever,” the group warned, calling for pressure on nuclear-armed states to change course. Hiroshima vows nuke ban at 77th memorial amid Russia threat UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a statement delivered by UN Under-Secretary-General Izumi Nakamitsu, emphasized the importance of carrying forward survivors' testimonies. “Remembering the past is about protecting peace today and for the future,” he said. Elsewhere, protests were held near the Atomic Bomb Dome, with demonstrators urging an end to war and nuclear armament. Two arrests were made following minor scuffles with security personnel. Japan, the only nation to have experienced nuclear attacks, also faces criticism for failing to compensate civilian victims and not recognizing U.S. responsibility for wartime civilian deaths. The Hiroshima bombing was followed by the Nagasaki attack on August 9, 1945, which killed around 70,000 people. Japan surrendered days later on August 15, ending World War II.   Source: Agency

The once-warm camaraderie between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former U.S. President Donald Trump appears to be cooling, as a series of diplomatic and trade tensions cast a shadow over what was once hailed as a uniquely strong partnership between the two populist leaders. The relationship, previously marked by joint stadium appearances and mutual praise, has come under strain due to Trump’s recent remarks and policy decisions—most notably his imposition of new tariffs and criticism over India’s energy ties with Russia. Tensions escalated last week after Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian goods and hinted at additional penalties over India's continued purchase of Russian oil. In a social media post, Trump referred to India’s economy as “dead” and accused the country of profiting from reselling Russian oil while ignoring the war in Ukraine. India, Philippines Strengthen Defense, Maritime Cooperation with New Pact A White House official, speaking anonymously, said Trump’s remarks reflect his dissatisfaction with the slow pace of trade negotiations rather than any shift in Washington’s strategic position. Still, the comments have unsettled policymakers in New Delhi. Ashok Malik, a former adviser in India’s Foreign Ministry, called the moment a “testing time” for India-U.S. ties. He warned that “decades of bipartisan cooperation” risk being undermined by “fast and loose” statements and online rhetoric. Malik now leads the India office of The Asia Group, a U.S.-based advisory firm. Malik also said India’s current offer to the U.S. is the most ambitious trade proposal in its history, reportedly including access for American agricultural products—an area of domestic political sensitivity for Modi.   Strategic Worries Over Pakistan Beyond trade, concerns have also emerged over what New Delhi perceives as a renewed U.S. tilt toward Pakistan. Trump’s repeated claims of mediating the Kashmir dispute, as well as his praise for Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, have fueled suspicion in India. In May, tensions between India and Pakistan flared into military skirmishes in Kashmir. While Trump has claimed he played a role in de-escalation, India maintains Kashmir is an internal matter and opposes third-party involvement. Trump’s announcement of a large oil exploration deal with Pakistan, shortly after criticizing India, further deepened unease in New Delhi. Sreeram Sundar Chaulia of the Jindal School of International Affairs said Trump’s remarks have “soured the mood in India” and warned that deeper U.S.-Pakistan cooperation could “dent the U.S.-India strategic partnership.”   Russian Oil at the Center of Friction India’s continued purchase of Russian oil remains a core issue. Despite pressure from the previous Biden administration to reduce imports following the invasion of Ukraine, India expanded its energy trade with Moscow. Trump has now taken a harder stance, saying India’s actions are helping finance Russia’s war. Stephen Miller, a senior White House official, echoed these sentiments, calling India’s trade with Russia “unacceptable.” Trump followed up with more social media criticism, accusing India of profiting at Ukraine’s expense. While some analysts believe Trump’s threats are negotiation tactics, the rhetoric has nonetheless stirred concern in New Delhi.   India Responds with Measured Tone Despite rising tensions, India’s response has so far been cautious. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal reiterated that both sides are working toward a fair and balanced trade agreement. However, a late statement from the Ministry of External Affairs described Trump’s remarks as “unjustified and unreasonable.” India signals continued Russian oil imports despite Trump’s tariff threats The statement defended India's oil imports from Russia, citing global market constraints after European countries diverted their energy sources. It also pointed out that many Western nations criticizing India continue to trade with Russia themselves. “India will take all necessary steps to safeguard its national interest and economic security,” the ministry said. As the world’s two largest democracies navigate these latest challenges, observers warn that the personal warmth once shared by their leaders may no longer be enough to hold the relationship together.   Source: Agency