An investigation by the Associated Press has revealed that Bangladeshi workers, seeking employment in Russia, were misled with promises of civilian jobs, only to be forced into combat in the ongoing war in Ukraine. These workers faced severe threats, including violence and imprisonment, once they arrived in Russia.
Three Bangladeshi men who managed to escape from the Russian military recounted their harrowing experiences. They described being coerced into dangerous tasks on the front lines, such as advancing ahead of Russian forces, transporting supplies, evacuating wounded soldiers, and recovering the deceased. The families of three other men who remain unaccounted for also shared their anguish. Neither the Russian Defense Ministry nor the Bangladeshi government has responded to inquiries from the Associated Press regarding these claims.
Leadership Changes Amid Immigration Enforcement Reshuffle
In a related development, Gregory Bovino, the Border Patrol commander, is set to depart Minneapolis as part of a leadership reshuffle in the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement strategy. This decision follows a recent incident where federal officers were involved in a fatal shooting. A source familiar with the situation indicated that Bovino and other federal agents are leaving the city, although the specifics of the operation remain undisclosed.
President Donald Trump announced that he would appoint Tom Homan, his border czar, to oversee the operation directly, which will now report to the White House. The change comes amid rising tensions in Minneapolis following the shooting death of Alex Pretti by federal immigration officers. Calls for an independent investigation into the incident have intensified, with the Trump administration launching three federal probes, although details are still unclear.
Severe Winter Storms Claim Lives Across the U.S.
As the U.S. grapples with severe winter weather, at least 30 individuals have died due to the effects of a massive winter storm. The storm has brought frigid temperatures and disrupted power across many states, particularly in the Northeast and the South. Many residents are enduring below-freezing temperatures and power outages, with reports of heavy snowfall impacting air and road travel.
The storm has been particularly severe in regions from New York northward into New England, where record-breaking subzero temperatures have been recorded. In the South, icy conditions have resulted in snapped branches and downed power lines, leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity.
Private Jet Crash Under Investigation
In another incident, a private jet carrying eight people crashed shortly after takeoff from Bangor International Airport in Maine. The Federal Aviation Administration reported the crash occurred around 19:45 on Sunday, but there is currently no information regarding the condition of those on board. Emergency crews responded promptly, and both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident, which coincided with the ongoing winter storm affecting the region.
Trump Threatens Tariff Increases on South Korean Goods
In economic news, President Trump has announced plans to increase tariffs on South Korean goods due to delays in legislative approval of a trade framework. The tariffs are set to rise from 15% to 25% on various imports, including automobiles, lumber, and pharmaceuticals. Trump previously imposed tariffs by declaring an economic emergency, highlighting ongoing tensions in U.S.-South Korean trade relations.
India and EU Reach Historic Trade Agreement
Meanwhile, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared that India and the European Union have finalized a significant free trade agreement after nearly two decades of negotiations. Dubbed the “mother of all deals,” this accord aims to enhance economic and strategic ties between the two parties, impacting approximately 2 billion people. The agreement emerges at a time when the U.S. is imposing steep tariffs on both India and the EU, offering new opportunities for trade.
As the investigation into the midair collision involving an airliner and a U.S. Army helicopter continues, the National Transportation Safety Board is expected to detail multiple factors contributing to the incident. This tragic event claimed the lives of 67 individuals, prompting families of the victims to hope that the board’s recommendations will not be overlooked as they have been in the past.
Ceasefire in Gaza Moves Forward
In international news, Israel has announced the recovery of the remains of the last hostage in Gaza, paving the way for the next phase of a ceasefire agreement that halted the Israel-Hamas conflict. The government stated that the military had conducted a significant operation in northern Gaza to locate the remains of Ran Gvili, a key element in the negotiations for a ceasefire. With Hamas now committing to the terms of the ceasefire’s first phase, further developments are anticipated in the region.
U.S. stock markets experienced a modest uptick as gold prices reached record highs, with the S&P 500 rising by 0.5% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average increasing by 0.6%. Gold prices briefly surpassed $5,100 per ounce, reflecting a trend as the U.S. dollar continues to weaken against other currencies, particularly the Japanese yen.
