Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova expressed shock over Trump’s restraint during his confrontation with Zelensky at the White House. In a Telegram post, she stated, “Among Zelensky’s many lies, the biggest was his claim that Kyiv stood alone in 2022, without support.” She further remarked, “It is a miracle that Trump and Vice President Vance refrained from striking that scoundrel.” The heated exchange between Trump and Zelensky occurred during discussions at the White House, but no agreement was reached regarding potential mineral resource deals.

A White House official reported that former U.S. President Donald Trump accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of being ungrateful for U.S. assistance. In response, Zelensky criticized Trump’s stance on Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying, “A murderer should not be given any concessions.” The discussion escalated as Trump’s vice president remarked, “You have not expressed gratitude even once.” Trump nodded in agreement, while Zelensky raised his voice, replying, “I have thanked the American people many times.” Following the tense encounter, Zelensky left the Oval Office without participating in a joint press conference.

The United States is planning to sell nearly $3 billion worth of weapons to Israel. Three separate sales proposals have been sent to Congress. The first deal, worth $2.04 billion, includes 35,529 MK 84 BLU-117 heavy bombs and 4,000 I-2000 penetrator warheads, scheduled for delivery next year. The second package, valued at $675.7 million, consists of 201 MK 83 1,000-pound bombs, 4,799 BLU-110A/B 1,000-pound bombs, and 5,000 JDAM guidance kits, expected to be delivered in 2028. The third deal, amounting to $295 million, includes D9 Caterpillar bulldozers and related equipment, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has warned his enemies to be prepared for a nuclear strike, according to a Reuters report on Friday. Following his statement, North Korea launched a series of cruise missiles in what state media described as a demonstration of the country’s nuclear strike capabilities. Kim declared that safeguarding North Korea’s sovereignty and security depends on its nuclear forces, emphasizing their constant state of readiness. Throughout his speech, he directed strong criticism at the United States and South Korea, intensifying tensions in the region.

On Friday morning, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, visited the Rohingya camps in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar. During the visit, he engaged in discussions with community leaders, including Imams and Rohingya parents, on community-based protection and peace. Grandi also participated in activities at Extension 4 and West 1 Rohingya camps. After the visit, the delegation headed towards Cox’s Bazar, where the High Commissioner will meet with the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner and the District Commissioner. Grandi is expected to return to Dhaka by air later in the evening after the meetings.

Under a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in Gaza, the world’s longest-serving political prisoner was released from an Israeli jail on Thursday after 44 years. A key figure in the prisoner movement, he was arrested in 1978 and sentenced to life imprisonment for attacking an Israeli target. Although he was freed in a 2011 prisoner swap, Israel rearrested him on June 18, 2014, sentencing him to 30 months in prison. After completing that sentence, Israel reinstated an additional 18 years to his original life term. Even when his brother passed away, he was not allowed to attend the funeral.

Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he would be selling U.S. residency via a Gold Card for $5 million, approximately 60 crore Bangladeshi taka. This move could benefit the corrupt oligarchs of the Awami League, who have looted billions and sent the money abroad, seeking refuge in countries like India. Trump also announced plans to offer a Green Card, granting citizenship. There are concerns that this could turn the U.S. into a haven for oligarchs worldwide, potentially making the most powerful and wealthiest country a sanctuary for the corrupt. However, the policy details have not yet been disclosed.

In an operation to rescue a kidnapped fisherman, Rezaul Haque (36), from Matuail, police constable Jewel was attacked by the abductors in Sarulia’s Wasa Road area. The police recovered local weapons and two motorcycles from the scene. Rezaul, who had been abducted by the Rudi group while inspecting a fish mill, claimed the kidnappers demanded 10 million BDT, and 60,000 BDT was forcibly taken. After the victim’s employee alerted the police, two suspects were arrested.

Israel announced on Thursday that it would impose restrictions on Palestinian access to Al-Aqsa Mosque during the upcoming month of Ramadan. Every year, millions of Palestinians travel to Al-Aqsa, located in Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem, to observe prayers. Last year, due to heightened tensions over the Gaza conflict, Israeli authorities imposed strict entry controls, particularly on Palestinians from the West Bank. Despite the absence of war this year, Israel has maintained a similar stance, though specific restrictions have yet to be disclosed.

Discussions are underway in Cairo regarding the second phase of the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in Gaza. On Thursday, Egypt, acting as a mediator, confirmed that delegations from Israel, Qatar, and the United States had arrived in Cairo to negotiate the next steps. The first phase of the ceasefire is set to end on March 1. Meanwhile, as part of the agreement, four bodies were exchanged for the release of over a hundred Palestinian detainees. So far, the war has claimed over 48,000 lives in Gaza, while more than 1,200 people have been killed in Israel.

In a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, former President Donald Trump avoided committing to providing security for Ukraine against Russian aggression. According to Reuters, Trump suggested that a potential mineral agreement could secure Ukraine’s safety against Russia. The meeting focused on the Ukraine crisis and trade relations, as Trump’s stance on reducing the U.S.’s involvement in Europe’s security concerns remains a critical issue. Prime Minister Starmer emphasized the need for stronger security for Ukraine during their discussions.

During a meeting with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi on Thursday, Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury urged the international community to apply pressure on Myanmar to facilitate the repatriation of Rohingya refugees. He highlighted that Bangladesh has provided shelter to 1.3 million Rohingya refugees on humanitarian grounds, but this has led to social and economic challenges, as well as rising criminal activities among the refugee population, posing risks to both national and regional security. In response, Grandi acknowledged the hardships faced by Rohingya refugees but noted that repatriation remains difficult due to the ongoing conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. However, he assured that efforts will continue to find a resolution.

The Johor Immigration Department reported on Thursday that, as part of a year-long enforcement operation from January 1 to December 31, 2024, authorities conducted 3,040 raids, screening 25,923 individuals. A total of 13,095 undocumented immigrants were arrested, while 5,719 were deported via air, land, and sea routes. Additionally, legal action has been initiated against 3,206 undocumented immigrants at the Pontian Sessions Court, and those who have served prison sentences are being transferred to the Pekan Nanas Immigration Depot.

In a Telegram post, Kyiv reported that Russia launched 166 drone attacks across multiple regions of Ukraine overnight. Ukrainian forces claimed to have intercepted 90 of the drones. The attacks resulted in the deaths of six civilians and injured ten others. The strikes targeted areas in Chernihiv, Sumy, and Kyiv. Meanwhile, Ukrainian police reported that in the past 24 hours, 42 homes were destroyed in attacks on the Donetsk region. Negotiations between Russia and the United States regarding an end to the war are currently ongoing.

During his first cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Trump claimed that illegal border crossings from Mexico and Canada had declined. However, he announced a 25% tariff on goods from both neighboring countries. The tariff is set to take effect on April 2. Earlier, Trump had issued a stern warning to Canada and Mexico to curb illegal border crossings and the flow of fentanyl, delaying tariff imposition for 30 days—a period set to expire on March 4. Now, he has officially set the date for the new tariffs.