Merz: Putin “may be the most serious war criminal of our time,” is a weighty statement, and it’s clear from the discourse that a lot of people are wrestling with its implications. The very notion of ranking war criminals, of measuring the depths of human depravity, feels uncomfortable, but it’s a conversation that’s being had, and for good reason. The scale of the devastation in Ukraine, the documented atrocities, the sheer audacity of the invasion – these things are undeniably shocking. And when a prominent figure like Merz utters such a declaration, it sparks a flurry of reactions, ranging from agreement to skepticism and even, perhaps, a measure of cynicism.… Continue reading
Contrary to previous claims, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov stated that there was no agreement between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin for a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Ushakov’s comments suggest that the discussions about the meeting were preliminary, as no formal agreement was reached during Trump and Putin’s phone call or Alaska summit. While Ukraine expressed readiness for unconditional negotiations, Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, have indicated that such a meeting is not yet feasible, citing preconditions and questions about Zelensky’s legitimacy. Trump, on the other hand, has stated that Putin avoids meeting Zelensky because “he doesn’t like him.”
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Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has labeled former U.S. President Donald Trump a “Russian asset” due to his perceived soft stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Trump has been criticized for his inconsistent statements on the war, often targeting Ukrainian President Zelensky while failing to fully implement sanctions against Russia. De Sousa claims that Trump’s actions suggest he only wants to negotiate with Russia, effectively favoring the Russian Federation. This assessment follows Trump’s recent Alaska summit with Putin, which failed to secure a ceasefire.
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Moscow views NATO’s eastward expansion as a primary catalyst for its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov voiced Russia’s opposition to European peacekeeping troops in Ukraine. This position contradicts earlier claims that Vladimir Putin would accept such a force, particularly assertions made by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
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During talks in Alaska, President Trump stated that he discussed nuclear disarmament with Russian President Putin. Trump indicated that denuclearization is a significant goal, with Russia and potentially China expressing willingness to participate. The Kremlin has yet to comment on Trump’s remarks, while Russia reportedly holds the largest nuclear warhead inventory globally. Furthermore, weeks prior to the meeting, the U.S. repositioned nuclear submarines in response to inflammatory rhetoric from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
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Despite Russia’s hesitation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated that a bilateral summit with Vladimir Putin remains the most effective path to peace, with Western officials in attendance. US and Canadian leaders expressed support for Ukraine, with Canada signaling it wouldn’t rule out sending troops under a security guarantee framework. While Russia claims to have captured a settlement in Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine announced the recapture of several villages in the Donetsk region, and both sides conducted a prisoner exchange. Meanwhile, Ukraine has been utilizing its own domestically produced long-range weapons to target locations inside Russia.
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Shopping Trends, a division independent of CTV News journalists, has compiled insights into evolving consumer behavior. Recent data indicates a shift in purchasing habits, with a notable increase in online shopping and a growing preference for sustainable and ethically sourced products. These trends reflect changing priorities, influenced by factors such as convenience, environmental concerns, and social awareness. Furthermore, the team may earn a commission when readers use provided shopping links.
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During an Oval Office briefing, President Trump stated he informed Russian President Putin of his unhappiness regarding the recent Russian missile strike on a U.S.-owned electronics factory in western Ukraine. The factory, belonging to Flex Ltd., was targeted on August 21st, prompting accusations of a deliberate attack during ongoing peace talks. Trump expressed optimism about the U.S.-brokered peace negotiations, claiming the U.S. would know in two weeks how they would unfold and suggested a different approach might be considered if an agreement is not reached.
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The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, has cautioned against pressuring Ukraine to cede territory to Russia, labeling such proposals a “trap” orchestrated by Putin. Kallas emphasized that Russia has made no concessions and that Putin may not be interested in a peace deal, especially after receiving a “welcoming” during talks. President Zelensky has also expressed skepticism about Russia’s willingness to negotiate, citing their avoidance of a meeting and continued aggression. The piece highlighted the EU’s continued sanctions and the need for robust security guarantees for Ukraine.
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As the conflict continues, it is evident Russia is not seeking peace, failing to uphold any prior promises, as stated by Estonian Prime Minister Kallas. The recent Alaska summit served as a public relations victory for the Kremlin, allowing Putin to achieve his desired outcome. While Trump’s diplomatic efforts were welcomed, Kallas suggests they have not changed Putin’s position, who is now less inclined to negotiate. Despite the summits, Moscow persists in its maximalist demands, including Ukraine ceding territory and renouncing NATO membership.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker