United News of Bangladesh

Turkish authorities have launched an investigation into an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that crashed in northwest Turkey, just days after another drone was shot down after entering the country’s airspace from the Black Sea, local media reported Friday. Residents in Kocaeli province discovered the damaged drone in a field, prompting official inquiries into its wreckage. The origin of the UAV remains unclear, though some reports suggest it may be Russian-made. Turkish officials have not yet provided comments on the incident. Earlier this week, Turkish F-16 jets intercepted and destroyed what officials described as an “out of control” drone after it violated Turkish airspace. The defense ministry said the drone was taken down in a safe location to protect civilians and air traffic. Following the incident, Turkey warned both Russia and Ukraine to exercise caution over Black Sea security amid escalating regional tensions. The ministry added that the downed drone likely broke into fragments, making identification and technical analysis challenging, with investigations ongoing.    

Families of Ukrainian soldiers who died by suicide during the war face stigma and lack of recognition, raising concerns about the mental health of troops on the front lines. Kateryna, mother of 25-year-old Orest, said her son died in Donetsk in 2023 from a “self-inflicted wound,” according to official reports. She doubts the claim and said the army had deemed him fit for service despite poor eyesight. Orest was sent to the front as a communications specialist and became increasingly withdrawn before his death. Ukraine officially mourns more than 45,000 soldiers killed since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, but there is no formal record of suicide among soldiers. Officials call such deaths isolated, yet families and human rights groups believe the numbers could be in the hundreds. Many families say soldiers who die by suicide are denied military honors, compensation, or public recognition. Kateryna said, “Some died the right way, and others died the wrong way. The state took my son, sent him to war, and brought me back a body in a bag.” Mariyana, whose husband Anatoliy died by suicide after being wounded at Bakhmut, said officials refused him a military burial. She described feeling abandoned by the state and criticized the stigma from others in the community. Viktoria from Lviv also lost her husband Andriy, a reconnaissance unit driver, to suicide in 2023. She said official investigations were inconsistent, and she continues to fight for the truth about his death. Oksana Borkun, who runs a support group for widows of soldiers who died by suicide, said about 200 families are part of the network. She and military chaplain Father Borys Kutovyi argue that these soldiers should be recognized as heroes, noting the psychological vulnerability of many recruited troops. Ukraine’s Commissioner for Veterans’ Rights, Olha Reshetylova, said she receives reports of up to four military suicides each month. She acknowledged the system needs reform and urged the government to provide truth and recognition to bereaved families. The ongoing crisis highlights the hidden mental health toll of war and the need for broader support for soldiers and their families.   With inputs from BBC

European Union leaders have agreed to provide Ukraine with a €90 billion (£79 billion; $105 billion) loan, while failing to reach a decision on using frozen Russian assets worth €210 billion. The deal comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin told the BBC that Western leaders are “making Russia the enemy.” He made the comments during his year-end press conference. Most of Moscow’s frozen assets are held in Belgium, which has refused to release the money without guarantees it would be protected if Russia takes legal action. The EU loan covers about two-thirds of the €135 billion Kyiv is estimated to need over the next two years. During his annual news conference, Putin blamed Ukraine for starting the war and claimed Kyiv refuses to resolve the conflict peacefully. He also defended Russia’s political system and criticized “fake news” in the West. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Warsaw on Thursday and met Polish President Karol Nawrocki. He said the trip marked a “new and meaningful stage” in relations between the countries and highlighted the importance of cooperation to defend freedom in Europe. Meanwhile, the UK’s Chief of Defence Staff, Sir Richard Knighton, said Russian claims of rapid advances in eastern Ukraine are “nonsense.” He added that Ukrainian forces continue to fight hard and inflict heavy losses on Russian troops. The EU loan has drawn mixed reactions in Ukraine. Some citizens welcomed the financial support, while others expressed concern about corruption and doubts that the funds would reach the military or civilians. Kyiv’s Security Service also claimed its forces struck a Russian “shadow fleet” tanker in the Mediterranean Sea using a drone, targeting vessels used to bypass Western sanctions on Russian oil. Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic are exempt from paying for the EU loan. Their leaders said their countries would not bear the cost of financing Ukraine’s war.   With inputs from BBC

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday accused neighboring India of “weaponizing water” by releasing water from Indian dams without prior notice, claiming the move violates the World Bank-brokered Indus Water Treaty and threatens peace and stability in the region. Dar’s remarks followed Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry writing to New Delhi seeking clarification over irregular releases from the Chenab River. He alleged that India was manipulating water flows during a critical stage of Pakistan’s agricultural cycle, endangering livelihoods as well as the country’s food and economic security. “Such illegal and irresponsible conduct has the potential to trigger a humanitarian crisis in Pakistan,” Dar said, noting that similar actions in September worsened flooding that devastated hundreds of villages. There was no immediate comment from New Delhi. The Indus Water Treaty, signed in 1960 and overseen by the World Bank, allocates the eastern rivers Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas to India, and the western rivers Jhelum, Chenab, and Indus to Pakistan. Despite wars and border skirmishes, the treaty has generally survived. Dar said Pakistan has informed U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres and the president of the U.N. General Assembly, urging their intervention. He stressed that any attempt to divert or stop the flow of water to Pakistan would be considered an “act of war.” Source: AP 

President Donald Trump’s blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers off the country’s coast is raising new concerns about the legality of U.S. military operations in Latin America and fears that the United States could be edging closer to war. The administration insists the measure targets only sanctioned vessels and not civilians, but legal experts warn that such actions without congressional approval may breach international law and risk provoking a Venezuelan military response. “The concern is that we are bootstrapping our way into armed conflict,” said Claire Finkelstein, a national security law professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Trump’s campaign against Venezuela is part of a broader effort to pressure President Nicolás Maduro, accused of narcoterrorism and using oil revenue to fund drug trafficking. U.S. forces have attacked 28 suspected drug-smuggling boats since September, killing over 100 people, and the president has threatened land strikes. Venezuelan authorities condemned the blockade. Maduro’s son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, called for dialogue while warning of the threat posed by the world’s most powerful military. The Pentagon prefers to describe the operation as a “quarantine” rather than a blockade, noting that an international law blockade constitutes an act of war. Critics argue the selective targeting of oil shipments resembles a wartime maneuver without formal authorization, leaving questions about the legal and strategic implications of Trump’s campaign. Source: AP 

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday expressed confidence that Moscow’s military objectives in Ukraine would be achieved, nearly four years after he ordered troops into the neighbouring country. Speaking at his annual year-end news conference, Putin said Russian forces were advancing along the front line, with progress varying across sectors. “Our troops are advancing all across the line of contact, faster in some areas or slower in others, but the enemy is retreating in all sectors,” he said, asserting that Moscow has “fully seized strategic initiative” and will make further gains by year-end. Putin reaffirmed that Russia is open to a peaceful settlement addressing what he called the “root causes” of the conflict, though his conditions include recognition of Russian control over territories captured in four eastern regions, the Crimean Peninsula, and parts of eastern Ukraine still under Kyiv’s control — demands rejected by Ukraine. He also reiterated that Ukraine must abandon its NATO ambitions, limit the size of its army, and grant official status to the Russian language. Putin warned that any NATO troop deployment in Ukraine would be considered a “legitimate target.” Observers noted the conference was closely watched for remarks on Ukraine and the peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Putin used the event, a mix of news briefing and nationwide call-in show, to consolidate domestic support and outline Russia’s positions on global and regional issues. Source: AP 

On the first full day since reopening following a mass shooting that killed 15 people at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, thousands of Australians gathered Friday at the iconic waterfront to mourn, reflect, and stand in solidarity with the Jewish community. In a spontaneously organized event, people lined the crescent of sand shoulder to shoulder and formed a massive circle in the ocean, observing a minute of silence for the victims, the injured, and those who risked their lives to save others. Many embraced and wept near the remnants of crime scene tape and abandoned shoes. Police reopened parts of the beach Thursday, and armed officers stood guard outside synagogues and mosques amid concerns over antisemitism and potential backlash against Muslims. Life slowly returned to the sand and boardwalk, with joggers, dog walkers, and coffee drinkers reclaiming the area. Stories of heroism resonated across the nation. Ahmed al Ahmed, an Australian Muslim store owner, disarmed one gunman before being shot by the other, calling for unity and human solidarity from his hospital bed. Residents also honored Reuven Morrison and Boris and Sofia Gurman, three Jewish victims who confronted the shooters. Nearly 35,000 blood donations have been made since Monday, demonstrating national resolve. Community leaders said the gatherings reflect Australians’ desire to connect and support one another while grappling with grief and outrage. Bondi Beach lifeguards are set to return Saturday, restoring another symbol of normalcy to the shore. Source: AP 

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a sweeping crackdown on hate speech following a deadly shooting at Bondi that targeted a Jewish festival, vowing new laws to curb extremism and protect communities. Albanese said the proposed measures would target those who spread hate, division and radicalisation after 15 people were killed when two gunmen opened fire during an event marking the first day of Hanukkah. Under the plan, the home affairs minister will receive expanded powers to cancel or refuse visas to individuals accused of promoting hate. A new taskforce will also be formed to ensure the education system prevents and properly responds to antisemitism. The proposed legislation includes penalties for religious preachers and leaders who promote violence, the creation of a new federal offence of aggravated hate speech, and the use of hate as an aggravating factor in sentencing for online threats and harassment. “Every Jewish Australian has the right to feel safe, valued and respected,” Albanese said, adding that those behind the attack sought to divide the nation but Australians had responded with solidarity and compassion. Tensions remain high following the attack. Police in New South Wales said they detained seven men in southwest Sydney after receiving information about a possible violent plot, though authorities said there was no identified link to the Bondi shooting. Australia’s antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal said the country was at a critical moment in addressing antisemitism, and Albanese confirmed his government would fully adopt recommendations she submitted earlier this year. Some of those proposals had drawn criticism over concerns they could restrict free speech, particularly on university campuses and in arts institutions. Jewish community groups broadly welcomed the government’s commitment to act, though some expressed concern that parts of the announcement could limit legitimate political expression. Albanese acknowledged criticism that his government had not done enough to tackle antisemitism since the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, saying he accepted responsibility and stressed the need to unite the nation rather than deepen divisions.   With inputs from BBC

Africa has been hit hardest by the Trump administration’s decision to widen U.S. travel restrictions, but reactions across the continent remained largely muted on Wednesday as governments and citizens assessed the impact. The new move adds 20 countries to the U.S. travel ban list, expanding measures first announced in June. The restrictions are broader and tougher than those imposed during President Donald Trump’s first term, which mainly targeted Muslim-majority nations and were lifted in 2021. Of the five countries newly placed under a full ban, four are in Africa: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and South Sudan. Syria and holders of travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority were also included. Several other African countries, including Sierra Leone, were shifted from partial to full restrictions. Twelve of the 15 countries facing partial limits are African nations, among them Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Angola. The measures link entry limits to concerns over security, documentation, and visa overstays. The African Union urged the United States to enforce border controls in a balanced and evidence-based way that respects long-standing ties with Africa. The bloc warned the restrictions could harm education, trade, people-to-people contacts, and diplomatic relations built over decades. Some affected governments said it was too early to react. Sierra Leone said it hopes to engage Washington to seek a review, while Mali’s foreign ministry declined immediate comment. Analysts and citizens in several countries described the move as unfair and warned it could weaken U.S.–Africa relations while opening space for other global powers to deepen ties on the continent. Others expressed concern over business, education, and travel plans, including possible impacts on fans hoping to attend the 2026 football World Cup in the United States. In South Sudan, rights activists said the ban reflects Washington’s growing frustration with the government over delays in implementing a peace deal signed in 2018.  

New York is set to legalize medically assisted suicide for terminally ill patients under an agreement reached between Governor Kathy Hochul and state legislative leaders, the governor announced on Wednesday. Hochul said she plans to sign the bill next year after securing added safeguards, or “guardrails,” to ensure the law is applied carefully. Writing in an op-ed, the Democratic governor said her decision followed conversations with patients enduring severe pain, their families, and people of faith who oppose ending life on moral grounds. The proposed Medical Aid in Dying Act would allow patients expected to die within six months to request life-ending medication. The request must be made in writing, signed by two witnesses to rule out coercion, and approved by both an attending physician and a consulting doctor. Additional provisions will require confirmation from a medical doctor of the patient’s prognosis and an evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist to ensure the decision is voluntary and informed. The bill also includes a mandatory five-day waiting period and both written and recorded oral requests to confirm free will. Facilities tied to religious hospitals may opt out, and the measure will apply only to New York residents. The law would take effect six months after being signed. Hochul described backing the bill as one of the most difficult decisions of her tenure, saying she could no longer deny terminally ill patients a choice they are pleading for at the end of life. The legislation, first introduced in 2016, faced years of opposition from religious groups, including the New York State Catholic Conference, which argues it undermines the sanctity of life and the role of physicians. Church leaders renewed their criticism after the announcement, warning it could endanger vulnerable people. Supporters say the law will ease suffering and allow terminally ill individuals to die with dignity. About a dozen other states and the District of Columbia have already enacted similar measures.