Why does the US want to ‘dismantle’ the international criminal court? The Trump administration has launched a campaign to undermine the International Criminal Court (ICC), with Secretary of State Marco Rubio framing the court as a threat to U.S. sovereignty. Rubio’s rhetoric, however, masks a deeper objective: to shield American officials from accountability for war crimes committed abroad. The administration’s attacks on the ICC are rooted in a selective interpretation of international law, prioritizing impunity for U.S. actions while condemning similar conduct by other nations. Rubio’s claim that the ICC threatens U.S. sovereignty is misleading. The court has no jurisdiction over crimes committed within the United States, and the U.S. government has long ratified treaties such as the Genocide Convention and Geneva Conventions, which form the legal basis for the ICC’s authority. These agreements bind signatories, including the U.S., to uphold international humanitarian law. Yet the administration’s stance suggests that U.S. officials should be exempt from prosecution for atrocities committed in other countries, even when those crimes occur on the territory of ICC member states. The administration’s hypocrisy is evident in its inconsistent application of international law. While Trump and his allies have criticized the ICC for its jurisdiction over crimes committed in Ukraine and Gaza, they have historically opposed the court’s authority to prosecute war crimes. For instance, during Bill Clinton’s presidency, the U.S. voted against territorial jurisdiction—a provision that allows the ICC to investigate crimes committed on the territory of member states.#marco_rubio #international_criminal_court #benjamin_netanyahu #vladimir_putin #yoav_gallant
Ukraine Strikes Major Oil Terminal in Russia's St Petersburg A major oil terminal in Russia's north-western city of St Petersburg was struck overnight by Ukrainian forces, according to Volodymyr Zelensky, who described the facility as a key source of revenue for Moscow's war efforts. Ukraine also claimed a significant Russian naval base in the region was hit, marking another escalation in the conflict. The attack, which Zelensky said occurred approximately 850 kilometers from Ukraine's border, was confirmed by the BBC after verification. The terminal, described by Ukrainian military sources as one of the largest in Russia, is capable of producing 12.5 million tonnes of petroleum products annually. St Petersburg Governor Aleksandr Beglov acknowledged the city had been subjected to a "massive" drone attack, confirming the oil terminal was damaged but stating there were no casualties. He reported that 72 Ukrainian drones had been intercepted over the city and the surrounding Leningrad region, urging residents to remain indoors until the threat subsided. Mobile internet services in the area may also have been disrupted. With a population exceeding five million, the attack has raised concerns about the potential impact on infrastructure and daily life. Ukraine has increasingly targeted Russia's energy infrastructure with long-range drone strikes, leading to widespread fuel shortages. Kyiv claims nearly 43% of Russia's oil refining capacity has been "disabled" as a result, though the BBC has not independently verified this figure. Ukraine argues that Russian oil and gas facilities are legitimate targets, as Moscow relies heavily on fossil fuel exports to fund its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022.#vladimir_putin #volodymyr_zelensky #st_petersburg #aleksandr_beglov #kostyantynivka
Russia's President Vladimir Putin Warns Sanctions Against India Would Backfire Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized India's right to strategic autonomy during a speech at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on June 6, 2026. Speaking in response to growing Western pressure on India, Putin asserted that any attempts to impose sanctions or economic pressure on New Delhi would ultimately fail. He framed India’s sovereignty as a cornerstone of its national identity, stating that the country would continue to pursue its interests independently, regardless of external interference. Putin highlighted India’s ability to select its own defense and economic partners, calling it a fundamental right for sovereign nations. He specifically mentioned India’s potential procurement of advanced military systems, such as the Su-57 fighter jet and the S-500 air defense system, as examples of its autonomy in strategic decision-making. “India will always act in accordance with its national interests,” Putin said, adding that any sanctions imposed by foreign powers would only “boomerang” and undermine global stability. The remarks came amid heightened tensions between Russia and Western nations, which have imposed sanctions on India for its diplomatic ties with Moscow. Putin reiterated Russia’s commitment to its agreements with India, including ongoing defense and energy collaborations. He also warned that India’s decision to acquire advanced weaponry from Russia would not be deterred by external pressures, emphasizing that such choices were essential for national security. In a broader context, Putin framed India’s actions as a reflection of its growing global influence. He praised the country’s “strategic self-reliance” and its role as a key player in international affairs.#india #russia #vladimir_putin #st_petersburg_international_economic_forum #su_57
A Woman Pulls Putin's Hand During State Ceremony, Sparks Global Reaction A video of a woman grabbing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s hand and pulling him toward her during a state ceremony has gone viral worldwide. The unexpected moment, captured during a government awards event, left Putin visibly flustered and briefly embarrassed, with his face turning red. The incident, which occurred as Putin presented a medal and bouquet to a guest, has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with reactions ranging from lighthearted humor to admiration for Putin’s rare display of vulnerability. The event took place at a Kremlin-sponsored ceremony honoring journalists and media professionals. Russian television anchor and businesswoman Tina Kandelaki was the focus of the moment. As Putin approached her for a photo session, Kandelaki suddenly grabbed his hand, pulling him closer while smiling at the cameras. The unscripted gesture stunned those present and quickly became a viral sensation. Kandelaki, a prominent figure in Russia’s media landscape, has long been associated with the country’s cultural and political spheres. Born in Georgia to a Georgian-Armenian family, she has publicly identified as a Russian patriot, often expressing pride in her connection to the nation. Her career spans decades in television, where she served as a general producer for the popular sports channel Match TV before rising to a senior leadership role at Gazprom-Media, one of Russia’s largest media conglomerates. Beyond her professional achievements, Kandelaki has also been active in Russian politics. She is a member of the Public Chamber, a state advisory body, and has openly supported Putin’s policies, including Russia’s stance on the Ukraine conflict.#vladimir_putin #tina_kandelaki #kremli_sponsored_ceremony #gazprom_media #public_chamber
Vladimir Putin Suggests Ukraine War Is 'Coming to an End' Vladimir Putin has indicated that the Russia-Ukraine war is nearing its conclusion, a statement made shortly after delivering a subdued Victory Day parade in Moscow. The remarks followed a tense atmosphere in the Russian capital, where officials expressed concerns about the war's impact on the country's economy and international standing. Putin described the conflict as a "serious matter" but suggested it was moving toward resolution, emphasizing his willingness to engage in negotiations for new European security arrangements. He specifically named Germany’s former chancellor, Gerhard Schröder, as his preferred interlocutor for peace talks. The war, now in its fifth year, has resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties and widespread destruction across Ukraine. Russia’s military has made limited progress in capturing the Donbas region, where Ukrainian forces have maintained a defensive line of fortified cities. Despite these advances, Moscow’s control over Ukrainian territory remains limited, with Russian operations slowing in recent months. Putin’s comments came amid a fragile ceasefire agreement, which began on Saturday, though both sides accused each other of violating the truce. The agreement also included a provision for the exchange of 1,000 prisoners each, though Russia reported no formal proposals from Ukraine on the matter. Putin’s remarks were delivered in the aftermath of a scaled-back Victory Day parade, the most restrained in years. The event featured minimal military hardware and a sparse attendance of foreign dignitaries, primarily leaders from Russia’s close allies. The parade’s subdued nature reflected growing internal anxiety in Moscow about the war’s prolonged duration and its economic toll.#ukraine #vladimir_putin #moscow #gerhard_schrder #donbas
Trump Announces Three-Day Ceasefire Between Russia and Ukraine Donald Trump has announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, following accusations from both sides that each had violated separate ceasefires declared to mark the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany. The agreement, which Trump described as a suspension of all kinetic activity and a prison swap involving 1,000 prisoners from each country, was confirmed by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian state media. The ceasefire, set to begin on 8 May, coincides with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, which will feature no military hardware for the first time in nearly two decades. Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously announced a ceasefire for 8-9 May to safeguard the Victory Day parade in Red Square, while Kyiv had called for an indefinite truce starting 6 May. However, both sides accused each other of breaching the ceasefire shortly before its implementation. The Russian defense ministry claimed Ukraine was targeting civilian areas near the Kursk and Belgorod regions, prompting a “mirror response” from Moscow. Meanwhile, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin reported that approximately 20 drones had been downed near the city in the first two hours of the ceasefire. Ukraine’s emergency services also reported significant activity during the ceasefire, with Zelensky stating that over 140 attacks had occurred on Ukrainian positions in the first few hours. He warned that his country would “act in kind” against any violations. The ceasefire’s effectiveness remains uncertain, as both nations continue to accuse each other of undermining the agreement. The ceasefire comes amid heightened security measures for Russia’s Victory Day celebrations. Moscow and St.#donald_trump #vladimir_putin #volodymyr_zelensky #sergey_sobyanin #dmitry_peskov
Russia To Ban Gasoline Exports From April 1 To Prioritise Domestic Supply The Russian government announced on Friday that it will implement a ban on gasoline exports starting April 1, 2026, to prioritize domestic supply and stabilize fuel prices. The decision comes amid global market instability caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has led to significant fluctuations in oil and petroleum product prices. The announcement was made following a meeting chaired by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, who emphasized the need to address the challenges posed by the international crisis. Novak highlighted that while demand for Russian energy abroad remains strong, the current geopolitical tensions have disrupted global energy markets. The Russian government stated that the ban aims to ensure that domestic fuel prices do not exceed forecasted levels, a key objective set by President Vladimir Putin. According to the Ministry of Energy, oil refining rates have remained consistent with March 2025 levels, ensuring a stable supply of petroleum products. Industry companies have confirmed they hold sufficient reserves of gasoline and diesel, along with high refinery capacity utilization, to meet internal demand. The Ministry of Energy reported that domestic fuel markets are well-positioned to handle the ban, with refineries operating at full capacity and adequate stockpiles of essential fuels. Novak instructed the Ministry to draft a resolution formalizing the export ban, which will take effect on April 1, 2026. The measure is intended to protect domestic consumers from price volatility and ensure reliable fuel supply for local markets.#russia #vladimir_putin #west_asia #alexander_novak #ministry_of_energy
Trump Threatens To Take Over Strait Of Hormuz If Iran Tries "Anything Cute" The United States president, Donald Trump, has warned that Iran will face severe consequences if it continues to attack American and Israeli interests in the Middle East, including a potential takeover of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The threat came amid ongoing tensions following Iran's attacks on oil infrastructure and merchant ships in the region, which have disrupted global oil shipments. The strait, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil flows, has seen a significant reduction in tanker traffic due to Iranian drone and missile strikes. Oil prices briefly spiked to their highest level since 2022 after Iran announced the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as its new supreme leader. However, prices later declined as market confidence shifted toward the possibility of a swift resolution to the conflict. Trump claimed that Iran’s military capabilities have been severely weakened by U.S. strikes targeting over 5,000 Iranian assets, asserting that the country now lacks a functional navy, air force, or effective missile systems. “They’ve got no communications, no air force, their missiles are down to a scatter,” Trump stated during a CBS News interview. The president also emphasized that Iran’s attacks on the Strait of Hormuz would result in a “twenty times harder” response from the U.S. “If they do anything bad, that would be the end of Iran, and you’d never hear the name again,” he added, claiming the waterway remains open and ships continue to transit through it. Iran’s attacks have caused significant disruptions, including the deaths of at least seven mariners in attacks on commercial vessels near the strait, according to the International Maritime Organisation.#iran #donald_trump #strait_of_hormuz #mojtaba_khamenei #vladimir_putin
Trump says Iran 'war is very complete,' talks to Putin President Donald Trump told a CBS News reporter on Monday that the war against Iran could be nearing its end, describing the conflict as "very complete, pretty much." According to CBS senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang, Trump claimed Iran’s military capabilities had been severely diminished, with the country lacking a functional navy, air force, and effective communication systems. He added that Iran’s drones were being destroyed in large numbers and that its manufacturing capacity for such weapons had been crippled. "If you look, they have nothing left. There's nothing left in a military sense," Trump stated. The president also claimed the U.S. was "very far" ahead of his initial estimate that the war could last four to five weeks. Trump further asserted that he had someone other than Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, in place to lead the country. When asked about his stance toward Khamenei, Trump said, "I have no message for him. None, whatsoever." Separately, Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a phone call, according to the Kremlin. Russian foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov told Reuters that Putin proposed ways to quickly end the war. The Kremlin did not specify the details of the proposals but emphasized that the conversation focused on de-escalation efforts. Trump’s comments came amid rising U.S. stock market indices, which surged following reports of his remarks. Analysts noted that the market reaction reflected optimism about a potential resolution to the conflict. However, the situation remains volatile, with global energy markets fluctuating as tensions in the Middle East continue to impact oil prices. The war has also drawn significant attention from international leaders and analysts.#iran #donald_trump #vladimir_putin #khamenei #cbs_news
