Vladimir Putin makes surprise visit to Mariupol

Published

3 years ago

March 20, 2023

Footage was aired of Putin being shown around the port city

President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Mariupol, scene of some of the worst devastation of his year-old invasion.

This was the closest Putin has got to the frontlines and it looked like a gesture of defiance – coming a day after the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for his arrest.

The ICC accused him of the war crime of deporting hundreds of children from Ukraine.

State television aired footage of Putin being shown around the port city by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin – meeting rehoused residents and being briefed on reconstruction.

Mariupol became a byword for death and destruction. Much of it was reduced to ruins in the first months of the war and it fell to Russian forces in May.

Hundreds were killed in the bombing of a theatre where families with children were sheltering.

Moscow has said since it invaded last February that it does not target civilians.

This was Putin’s first visit to the Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine’s Donbas region since the war started.

He went there by helicopter following a visit to Crimea on the ninth anniversary of its annexation by Russia from Ukraine.

The Kremlin released video, showing Putin back in Russia after his trip and meeting the top command of the Ukraine military operation.

The Russian president has not publicly commented on the ICC warrant, but his spokesman called it legally “null and void”.

Bill Gates withdraws from India AI Impact Summit before keynote

Bill Gates withdraws from India’s AI Impact Summit amid renewed scrutiny over past ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Published

20 hours ago

February 20, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Bill Gates withdraws from India’s AI Impact Summit amid renewed scrutiny over past ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Bill Gates has withdrawn from India’s AI Impact Summit just hours before his keynote, as scrutiny grows over his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein following the release of US Justice Department emails.

The summit has faced criticism over organisational issues and traffic disruptions, drawing attention away from its mission. Despite the chaos, it has secured over $200 billion in investment commitments, including a major pledge from Reliance Industries.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the platform to stress the importance of protecting children in the rapidly evolving world of AI.

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News

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor released after 12-hour questioning

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor released after 12-hour police questioning over Epstein files misconduct allegations

Published

22 hours ago

February 20, 2026

Ahron Young

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor released after 12-hour police questioning over Epstein files misconduct allegations

In Short:
– Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was released after 12 hours of police questioning regarding misconduct allegations linked to Epstein.
– His arrest marks a significant moment for the Royal Family, facing increased scrutiny following controversy.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released from police custody after nearly 12 hours of questioning.

He was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to revelations from the Epstein files. The former duke has denied any wrongdoing concerning Jeffrey Epstein.

The arrest occurred at Wood Farm early in the morning. He was later taken to Aylsham Police Station, located 40 miles away. Andrew’s journey home, to the Sandringham estate, took about an hour.

Response To Arrest

Commentary from the British media indicates that the image of Andrew leaving police custody will likely have lasting ramifications for the Royal Family. Observers say that he appeared visibly affected and “terrified” by the situation.

Royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills highlighted the gravity of the moment, stating that such an image is troubling for the monarchy.

This is the first royal interaction with law enforcement since Princess Anne’s dog incident.

The royal family has faced heightened scrutiny following the release of the Epstein files.

King Charles has remarked that the law must be upheld and enforced equally, irrespective of status. Multiple outlets will continue to cover developments in this ongoing story.

News

Ukraine Russia peace talks stall with no breakthrough

Zelenskiy blames Moscow for stalling Geneva peace talks; negotiations to resume amid unresolved eastern territory and nuclear power plant disputes.

Published

2 days ago

February 19, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Zelenskiy blames Moscow for stalling Geneva peace talks; negotiations to resume amid unresolved eastern territory and nuclear power plant disputes.

Two days of high-stakes negotiations in Geneva have ended without a breakthrough, as Ukraine and Russia failed to reach an agreement on key issues in the ongoing war. Despite international pressure, both sides walked away without a deal.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy accused Moscow of deliberately stalling United States-mediated peace efforts, while Russia signalled it would not accept terms it sees as unfavourable. The White House says further talks are expected.

Major sticking points remain over territory in eastern Ukraine and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, with both sides rejecting proposals that would involve significant territorial concessions.

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