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Biden, Putin arrive in Geneva for high-stakes summit
Russian President Putin and US President Biden have arrived in Geneva.
Why the Biden and Putin summit could change the world | TICKER VIEWS
As the new US President prepares to meet Russia’s Vladimir Putin in Geneva, foreign countries, from Europe, to the Baltic States and China, are left wondering what sort of decisions will be made, and how it will impact them. This is Joe Biden’s moment. And this summit could have major consequences for the world ahead.
It’s not the first time Joe Biden has met Vladimir Putin. But it’s tne first time as President of the United States. Earlier this week at the NATO summit, Joe Biden referred to Putin as a “worth adversary”.
So it’s no wonder they chose Switzerland as the location for their meeting. This is a meeting that will start, at least, in a neutral space.
We’re expecting a very different tone compared to the meeting between Putin and Donald Trump in Helsinki. Back then, Trump decided to meet Putin without aides in Helsinki for a one on one meeting.
Joe Biden is far more hawkish towards Russia, and has been building support this week from leaders across Europe.
What’s on the agenda
It’s what we don’t know, but later find out, that is always intriguing for any watcher of global politics.
But what we do know is we can expect lots of talk about signals – issues like Russia’s treatment of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and his imprisonment in Russia.
Navalny flew back to Russia in January and was arrested at passport control.
Vladimir Putin has refused to give any guarantee that the opposition leader Alexei Navalny will get out of prison alive.
These sorts of issues become major news around the world, but really, there’s so much more going on behind the scenes that impacts the daily lives of millions of us who live outside of Moscow and Washington.
With respect to Navalny, issues like this are a smokescreen for far broader issues.
Cyber hacking
Not a week goes by without a major cyber attack somewhere in the world. And the finger is almost always pointed towards Russia. Either people working for the Russian government, or Russians no longer living in Russia.
The FBI is currently investigating a major hack against the world’s largest meat processing company, which forced the company to close its operations in the US and Australia. JBS ended up paying the ransom, believed to have been demanded by Russian hackers.
Ransomware attacks involve malware that encrypts files on a device or network causing the system to become inoperable. Criminals behind these types of cyberattacks typically demand a ransom in exchange for the release of data.
The Kremlin has denied claims that it has launched cyberattacks against the United States.
Will there be a change in relations?
Experts can only hope, but know it’s highly unlikely. Vladimir Putin is a strongman, and the best outcome from this meeting would be a return to “mutual respect”. To get that, Joe Biden needs to go in tough, as tough as Putin.
For anyone watching over a long period of time, through the Cold War and even recent years, it’s as if the leaders of Russia and the United States both need each other.
For the US, Russia poses an omni-present threat. A reason to keep its bases around the world. A reason to do business with countries it might otherwise avoid due to public sentiment.
For Russia, well, the people love a strongman. It’s as if Russia has middle child syndrome. Always wanting to play with the big boys, but suffering from an economy which is smaller than Australia’s. With a heavy reliance on natural resources but unable to control the price, and therefore it’s future.
What will they agree on?
For all their disagreements, Russia and the United States have a lot in common. They both play in similar territories. They both have relationships with China, and Moscow is probably envious that it’s once smaller sibling is quickly outgrowing them in terms of regional power.
The US and Russia both have similar views on tackling climate change and controlling nuclear arms and the countries that might get hold of them. It’s these issues we might see some progress from this meeting.
But aside from “strategic stability”, whatever that means, there’s unlikely to be an end in sight to this sibling squabble. Siblings, with nuclear weapons.
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Suspect fights extradition in UnitedHealth executive murder case
Luigi Mangione, accused of murdering UnitedHealth CEO, contests extradition to NY. Denied bail; linked to shooting with ghost gun.
A 26-year-old man, Luigi Mangione, is fighting extradition to New York to face murder charges for the shooting of UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson.
Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania after a five-day manhunt and denied bail for the second time.
During a court appearance, he made a statement directed at reporters, though its meaning was unclear.
Legal experts believe Mangione’s fight against extradition could prolong the process, but success is unlikely.
Authorities are investigating whether he acted alone or had assistance leading up to the shooting.
Mangione was recognized at a McDonald’s by an employee and was found with a firearm, clothing, and fake IDs matching the shooter’s description.
Weapon possession
He has been charged with gun and forgery offenses in Pennsylvania, in addition to murder and weapon possession charges in New York.
Investigators are still determining the motive behind Thompson’s targeted killing. It was revealed that Mangione had chronic back pain and previously worked as a data engineer.
His family expressed shock and devastation over his arrest and offered condolences to Thompson’s family.
Thompson, a father of two, had been the CEO of UnitedHealth’s insurance unit since 2021 and was in New York for a company event. The incident has heightened frustrations concerning healthcare access and insurance issues in the U.S.
News
Murdoch loses trust control bid for son Lachlan
Rupert Murdoch’s attempt to alter family trust for Lachlan’s control denied by Nevada commissioner, citing bad faith.
Rupert Murdoch’s attempt to change the family trust to consolidate control under his son Lachlan has been rejected by a Nevada commissioner.
The ruling, made by Commissioner Edmund J. Gorman Jr., stated that Murdoch and Lachlan acted in “bad faith” while trying to amend the irrevocable trust, which divides control equally among Murdoch’s four oldest children.
The 96-page opinion characterised the plan as a “carefully crafted charade” intended to secure Lachlan’s executive roles unconditionally.
Murdoch’s lawyer expressed disappointment and plans to appeal the ruling.
FILE PHOTO: Media mogul Rupert Murdoch poses for a photograph with his sons Lachlan and James in London.
Media empire
This dispute is critical as it affects the future control of Murdoch’s media empire, which includes Fox News and other major outlets.
While the intention was not to diminish financial stakes, the ruling reflects deep family tensions, especially given differing political views among the siblings.
The commissioner noted Lachlan initiated the proposed changes, created a plan dubbed “Project Family Harmony,” and labeled James as a “troublesome beneficiary.”
Despite Lachlan and Rupert’s efforts, the attempt to marginalise James was deemed insufficiently justified by the court.
Murdoch’s family trust, established in 2006, retains his control until his death, and includes provisions allowing amendments.
However, the commissioner found that Murdoch and Lachlan’s actions were not supporting their siblings’ best interests.
The ruling is not final and may be contested further in court.
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