United News of Bangladesh

Slovenia has become the first European Union member to introduce fuel rationing as it grapples with supply disruptions and rising prices triggered by the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The government moved to control fuel distribution following volatility in global energy markets linked to US-Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory actions affecting key Gulf producers. Authorities said the situation had led to sharp price increases across Europe, while Slovenia has also seen a surge in so-called “fuel tourism,” with drivers from neighbouring countries, especially Austria, crossing the border to take advantage of comparatively lower, regulated prices. Under the new rules, private motorists are limited to purchasing up to 50 litres of fuel per day, while businesses and farmers are allowed up to 200 litres. Prime Minister Robert Golob sought to reassure the public that supplies remain sufficient, saying there is no risk of shortages and that fuel reserves are adequate. The government has tasked petrol stations with enforcing the restrictions, requiring staff to ensure customers do not exceed the set limits. The unprecedented move has drawn strong reactions from the public, with some drivers saying they have never experienced such measures before.   With inputs from BBC

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has recommended that governments, businesses, and households adopt measures such as working from home and avoiding air travel to help ease the burden of soaring energy prices caused by the US-Israeli war with Iran. The conflict, which began on Feb 28, has sharply driven up global energy costs, raising inflation concerns worldwide. Brent crude has surged to around US$120 per barrel from about US$70 before the war, while natural gas prices have more than doubled. In addition to these demand-side measures, the IEA highlighted other suggestions, including lowering highway speed limits by at least 10 km/h and using alternative transport where possible. “We have recently launched the largest-ever release of IEA emergency oil stocks, and I am in close contact with governments globally, including major energy producers and consumers, as part of our international energy diplomacy,” IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said. On March 11, the IEA agreed to release a record 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves, with the United States providing the majority of the supply. #From The Straits Times/Reuters

The Kremlin said on Monday that Russian and US interests coincide following the Trump administration’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian oil amid the Iran conflict. Oil prices have surged in recent days as tensions escalate in the Middle East. In a statement reported by Reuters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, “The United States is taking action in an attempt to stabilise energy markets; in this regard, our interests align.”   With inputs from BBC

Ukrainian forces attacked a key Russian military factory in the Bryansk region on Wednesday, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. The factory produced electronics and components for Russian missiles used against Ukrainian cities and civilians. Ukraine said British Storm Shadow missiles were used in the strike on the Kremniy El plant. Russian authorities reported at least six civilians killed and 42 injured. President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said the attack was “impossible without British specialists” and described it as a terrorist missile strike. He added that Russia’s military operation continues to prevent such attacks and to demilitarise Ukraine. The conflict has also seen Russian attacks using Iranian-made Shahed drones, including an attack in Kharkiv on Wednesday that killed two people and injured five. Another strike in Slovyansk on Tuesday killed four and injured 16. Both sides continue military operations despite a recent stalemate. Russia claims slow advances, while Ukraine says it is reclaiming territory. Zelensky said another round of talks may take place next week, led by US President Donald Trump. Proposals reportedly include Ukraine giving up parts of the Donbas region, which Russia currently controls over 80%, though Ukraine has rejected such terms.   With inputs from BBC

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone on Monday evening in a businesslike and constructive conversation that focused on the ongoing Iran conflict and efforts toward a settlement of the Ukraine war, the Kremlin said. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters that Trump initiated the call and underlined his interest in a swift ceasefire and long‑term settlement in Ukraine. The two leaders agreed to maintain regular communications after a long gap in direct contact. Putin outlined considerations for the earliest political and diplomatic resolution of the Iran conflict, including consultations with Persian Gulf leaders, Iran’s president and other international figures. Trump provided his assessment of developments tied to the ongoing U.S.‑Israeli military operations in the region. Putin also briefed Trump on recent combat developments in Ukraine, saying Russian troops were advancing successfully — a factor he said could encourage Kyiv to pursue negotiated settlement talks. The presidents also touched on Venezuela in the context of the global oil market. Ushakov described the nearly hour‑long call as substantive and of practical importance for future cooperation between the two countries on international policy matters. This was the first known phone contact between Putin and Trump since late December 2025.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia could stop supplying natural gas to European Union countries sooner than expected, citing commercial reasons. In a Wednesday interview, Putin said the EU plans “to introduce new restrictions on the purchase of Russian gas in a month, and in a year to tighten them to a complete ban.” “Other markets are now opening up. Maybe it would be more profitable for us to stop supplies to the European market right now, and establish ourselves in new export directions,” he added, stressing there is no political motive and that these were merely “thoughts out loud,” not a formal decision. In January, the Council of the European Union approved a ban on Russian pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG), set to take full effect in January 2027 for LNG and autumn 2027 for pipeline gas. In 2025, Russia accounted for about 13 percent of total EU gas imports from pipeline gas and LNG combined, the council said.

Spain on Wednesday denied reports that it had agreed to allow the United States to use its military bases for operations in the Middle East, contradicting claims by the White House. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said the government’s position “has not changed one iota” regarding the war in Iran and the use of Spanish bases. Albares’ remarks came after a White House spokesperson claimed Spain had agreed to cooperate with the U.S. military. President Donald Trump earlier threatened to “cut off all trade with Spain,” citing NATO spending disputes and Spain’s refusal to let American forces use its bases in southern Spain for strikes on Iran. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said his government would not “be complicit in something that is bad for the world” and reiterated that Spain’s position could be summarised in four words: “No to the war.” Sánchez warned that the conflict could escalate into a costly Middle East quagmire, similar to past U.S. interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Trump had referred to the Rota and Morón bases, jointly operated by Spain and the U.S., saying, “We could just fly in and use it… nobody’s going to tell us not to use it, but we don’t have to.” U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Spain’s stance “puts American lives at risk,” while the EU pledged to protect member states’ trade interests. Spanish business groups expressed concern over the threat, noting that U.S.-Spain trade accounts for around 1 percent of the country’s GDP. Spain’s refusal adds to growing tensions with Washington, following disagreements over NATO spending and criticism of military actions in Gaza and the Middle East.  

France will expand its nuclear arsenal and extend its deterrence framework to several European partners, marking what officials describe as the most significant shift in French nuclear doctrine in decades. President Emmanuel Macron announced the changes during a speech to naval officers at the Ile Longue base near Brest in Brittany, warning that the coming decades would be shaped by nuclear risks amid a deteriorating global security environment. Macron said France would increase its current stockpile of roughly 300 nuclear warheads and confirmed plans to launch a new nuclear-armed submarine, to be named “The Invincible,” in 2036. Under a new “advanced deterrence” strategy, eight European countries – the UK, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden and Denmark – have agreed to participate in expanded cooperation. These nations may join exercises involving France’s air-based nuclear forces and potentially host air bases for French nuclear-capable aircraft. Macron said dispersing France’s Strategic Air Forces across Europe would complicate any adversary’s military calculations. He also outlined plans for joint development of supporting capabilities, including space-based early warning systems, air defence against drones and missiles, and long-range conventional strike systems. Despite the broader framework, Macron stressed that France’s president would retain sole authority over the decision to use nuclear weapons. There will be no formal nuclear guarantee extended to partner nations, maintaining continuity with the principles established under former president Charles de Gaulle. France and the UK remain the only nuclear-armed states in Europe. Paris already cooperates closely with London on deterrence matters, and British officials recently joined French nuclear air force exercises for the first time. Following Macron’s speech, France and Germany issued a joint statement pledging closer collaboration in nuclear deterrence. The agreement, signed with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, said Berlin would take part in French nuclear exercises this year and work with European partners on strengthening conventional military capacities. Both governments emphasized that the initiative would complement, not replace, NATO’s nuclear deterrence framework. Macron also signalled a shift toward greater strategic ambiguity, saying France would no longer publicly disclose the size of its nuclear arsenal. He reiterated that any attack threatening France’s vital interests would come at an “unsustainable price,” while leaving the exact scope of those interests undefined. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk welcomed the move, saying European countries were strengthening defences together to deter potential aggression. The announcement reflects growing concerns in Europe over global instability and shifting geopolitical alignments, with France positioning itself at the centre of a more coordinated continental defence posture.   With inputs from BBC

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia has failed to “break” Ukrainians or achieve victory, marking four years since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion that has killed tens of thousands and reshaped Europe’s security landscape. Speaking on Tuesday, Zelenskyy said Ukraine had defended its independence despite relentless attacks from Russia’s larger and better-equipped military, which still occupies nearly one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. He insisted that Kyiv’s statehood remains intact and Moscow’s key goals have not been met. The anniversary drew strong international support, with more than a dozen senior European leaders visiting Kyiv to show solidarity. The war has caused massive hardship for civilians, with repeated airstrikes destroying homes and disrupting electricity and water supplies. Despite diplomatic efforts led by the United States, negotiations remain stalled over the future of the Donbas region and long-term security guarantees sought by Ukraine to prevent another invasion. Zelenskyy also invited US President Donald Trump to visit Ukraine to better understand the human cost of the war. Western officials say Moscow is banking on prolonged fighting to erode Ukraine’s resistance and weaken international backing. However, European leaders warned that the conflict threatens wider regional stability and stressed continued unity in supporting Kyiv. As the war grinds into its fifth year, both sides face heavy troop losses and growing reliance on drone warfare, while Ukraine’s long-term reconstruction is estimated to cost nearly $588 billion over the next decade.

A senior Ukrainian negotiator has offered a rare insight into what it is like to sit face to face with Russian representatives amid ongoing efforts to halt the war, saying military-level talks are largely pragmatic but stopping the conflict ultimately depends on political will in Moscow. Sergiy Kyslytsya, a member of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s delegation, told the BBC that recent military-to-military discussions with Russia were generally business-like and free from the ideological rhetoric often heard from the Kremlin in public forums. “The military has a better understanding of what is happening on the battlefield,” Kyslytsya said during an interview at the presidential palace. He added, however, that it remains uncertain whether Russian officers accurately convey realities on the ground to their political leadership. His comments come ahead of a possible new round of US-mediated talks in Geneva later this week, following several previous discussions that have failed to produce a breakthrough nearly four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Kyslytsya said the complexity of disengagement is heightened by conditions on the battlefield in eastern Ukraine, where thousands of drones operate across a vast so-called grey zone and about 200,000 civilians still live in heavily fortified Donbas cities. Any ceasefire, he stressed, would require detailed rules, clear protocols and reliable verification mechanisms. Much of the technical groundwork for such arrangements has already been completed, he said, with significant input from US officials. Kyslytsya praised Washington’s role, noting that American representatives actively participate in discussions rather than merely observing. He also spoke positively about the involvement of US figures including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, describing them as experienced and constructive participants in the process. According to Kyslytsya, the United States is expected to play a central role in monitoring any future ceasefire, using satellite imagery and other advanced technologies. He said a credible and authoritative third party would be essential to adjudicate violations. Previously, this role was held by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, but Kyslytsya said its limited resources and lack of enforcement power left it unable to prevent escalation before the 2022 invasion. A former Ukrainian ambassador to the United Nations, Kyslytsya said he has long experience dealing with Russian diplomats. He recalled being at an emergency UN Security Council meeting on February 23, 2022, when he learned Ukraine was under attack. He said Russian ambassador Vassily Nebenzia declined to contact Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov for assurances as the invasion loomed. Kyslytsya said that moment marked a turning point, after which he remained at the UN for three more years before returning to Kyiv. Looking ahead to possible talks in Geneva, he said negotiations continue to focus on the mechanics of a ceasefire but argued the war could end swiftly if Russia’s leadership chose to act. “The war could be stopped by just one call,” he said, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin has so far shown no readiness to take that step.   With inputs from BBC