Well the meeting didn’t go for 6 hours like some suggested, but the meeting the whole world was watching under a microscope, has officially taken place.
US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin convened in Geneva, Switzerland just hours ago, in what is the first face-to-face meeting between the two and the first meeting of its kind since 2018.
The summit is being viewed as a milestone event for the two nations, with relations between Russia and the US at an all-time low.
Biden says “it’s always better to meet face-to-face”
When the meeting wrapped up, both leaders praised the talks, but it is seen as just a small step towards mending the fractured diplomatic relationship.
Putin says Biden is “an experienced statesman” and believes the two leaders “spoke the same language”.
Biden says Russia does not want “another cold war”, and there is now a genuine prospect to improve relations.
What issues did the leaders talk about?
They began with discussions about nuclear arms control and agreed that they would both return ambassadors to each other’s capitals.
The Russian and American envoys were withdrawn in March following allegations that Russia meddled in the US election.
However, there was little sign of movement from either party on the issues of human rights, Ukraine, cybersecurity and Russian opposition leader Alexi Navalny.
Biden says his agenda is “not against Russia” and the President is working to defend the American public and America’s democracy.
Global standing “diminished’?
Biden also believes that Russia’s alleged interference in previous US elections has resulted in the country’s global standing being “diminished”
Putin did hint at the prospect of exchanging prisoners, believing that compromises could be found.
Cyber threat: What President Biden told Putin was ‘off-limits’
President Joe Biden told Vladimir Putin that certain critical infrastructure should be “off-limits” to cyberattacks.
Putin says his talks with President Biden were “quite constructive,” and that they reached an agreement on cyber security.
Lester Munson, a Senior Fellow at the National Security Institute told TickerNEWS LIVE that following recent ransomeware attacks, cyber security is one of America’s biggest threats.
Putin says most hackers are based out of the United States, with Biden responding by saying that his country’s critical infrastructure, like water and energy, is “off-limits”.
Biden says Russia is in a “very difficult spot right now”
When discussing the fate of Alexi Navalny, Putin says the Russian opposition leader “ignored the law” and denied accusations that he was poisoned by Russian officials.
Biden was also asked why he thought Russia would have any desire to cooperate with the US.
On this, Biden says Russia is in a “very difficult spot right now”, and the country is trying to stay relevant and remain a major power.
Biden challenges CNN reporter
The US president was also pressed by reporters who asked why he is so confident that Putin’s behaviour will change.
Russia is “being squeezed by china”
Biden believes Russia is “being squeezed by china” and it is in Putin’s best interest to engage in a productive relationship with America.
Putin wanted to make it clear that Russia remains a world leader and is an important country with an economy that still matters to the United States and to the world… and that was why President Biden arranged the meeting.
William is an Executive News Producer at TICKER NEWS, responsible for the production and direction of news bulletins. William is also the presenter of the hourly Weather + Climate segment.
With qualifications in Journalism and Law (LLB), William previously worked at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) before moving to TICKER NEWS. He was also an intern at the Seven Network's 'Sunrise'.
A creative-minded individual, William has a passion for broadcast journalism and reporting on global politics and international affairs.
“The Eastman Dilemma: Lawfare or Justice” had its world premiere at The Mar-A-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida.
The new documentary explores the controversial legal challenges faced by John Eastman, a prominent constitutional scholar and former adviser to President Donald Trump.
The Madison Media Fund released the film, which delves into claims that Eastman and other conservative attorneys have been unfairly targeted for their legal representation of Trump following the 2020 presidential election.
Thee film raises broader questions about free speech and the ability of attorneys to represent politically divisive clients without facing personal or professional retribution.
President-elect Trump along with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and U.S. Senator Marco Rubio attended the film’s premiere with other dignitaries, guests, and members of the media.
The film’s release comes amid ongoing national debates over judicial impartiality and the balance between legal representation and political activism.
The message of “The Eastman Dilemma” seeks to spark a national conversation about fairness in the legal system and the rights of attorneys to provide counsel without fear of career-ending consequences.
Several high-profile attendees discussed on the red carpet the main themes surrounding the documentary and Trump’s second term in office including Eastman, Peter Navarro, Gen. Michael Flynn, David Freiheit, Kevin and Sam Sorbo, Michael Harris, Philip Nicozisis, and Gabriela Berrospi.
New film questions the fairness of the Justice System in politically charged cases
A newly released documentary, “The Eastman Dilemma: Lawfare or Justice,” delves into the controversial legal battles surrounding John Eastman, a constitutional scholar and former adviser to President Donald Trump.
The film produced by the Madison Media Fund and released in early 2025, examines claims that Eastman and other conservative attorneys faced disproportionate professional repercussions for their legal defense of Trump following the 2020 presidential election.
Eastman, a Senior Fellow at the Claremont Institute, has maintained his stance that his legal counsel was constitutionally justified, despite widespread criticism and professional consequences.
His involvement in the aftermath of the 2020 election, including disputes over electoral certifications, made him a target in high-profile investigations.
Florida’s Attorney General to replace Marco Rubio following his expected confirmation as Secretary of State
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced Thursday his decision to appoint state Attorney General Ashley Moody to the U.S. Senate, pending Senator Marco Rubio’s expected confirmation as President-elect Donald Trump’s Secretary of State. Rubio, a two-term senator, is widely anticipated to step down after Trump’s inauguration, making way for Moody’s appointment.
Moody, who has served as Florida’s attorney general since 2019, has been a key political ally of DeSantis, often collaborating on high-profile legal challenges and conservative policy initiatives.
Her alignment with DeSantis on issues such as law enforcement support, immigration enforcement, and state autonomy has solidified her as a prominent figure in Florida’s political landscape.
DeSantis praised Moody’s qualifications and commitment to public service, stating she would bring a “principled, conservative voice” to Washington, D.C. Moody’s appointment would mark a continuation of the state’s GOP leadership in the Senate, reinforcing the Republican majority ahead of Trump’s administration taking office.
Rubio’s departure comes as Trump assembles a Cabinet filled with loyalists and prominent conservatives. His selection as Secretary of State underscores Trump’s focus on experienced political figures in key diplomatic roles.
Moody’s appointment to the Senate, if confirmed, would likely shape legislative debates on issues ranging from judicial reform to national security.
