**US Treasury Secretary Labels Putin a War Criminal, EU Ambassadors Discuss New Sanctions**
In a recent statement, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that he considers Russian President Vladimir Putin to be a war criminal. This comes as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate.
Bessent made his comments in response to a question from Democratic Representative Juan Vargas during a Congressional hearing. When asked if he would negotiate with a war criminal, Bessent replied that negotiation was “the nature of diplomacy,” and that it’s necessary to talk to both sides, even if one side is considered a war criminal.
**New Sanctions Against Russia**
The European Union has begun talks on a new 17th sanctions package against Russia. This latest round of sanctions targets Russia’s military-industrial complex, Moscow’s shadow shipping fleet, and related support networks. The EU ambassadors are meeting to discuss the details of these new measures.
The repeated drone activity by Russian forces has prompted renewed temporary airport closures across the region. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that the European Union must do “everything possible” to help secure a lasting cessation of hostilities beyond the upcoming weekend.
**Russia’s Aggressive Moves**
Russia launched 187 drones overnight, including Iranian-designed Shahed-type drones and five Iskander-M ballistic missiles, according to Ukraine’s Air Force. The strikes triggered heightened alert measures across the Moscow Oblast, forcing Russian authorities to enact “Plan Cover,” a security protocol that includes grounding civilian air traffic.
**Hero of Ukraine**
Garrett, a 42-year-old from the Isle of Man, was widely known for his high-risk volunteer work removing mines and unexploded ordnance left behind by Russian forces. His bravery and selflessness are an inspiration to many.
**Putin’s War Rhetoric**
The Kyiv Independent’s Chris York discusses with Jonathan Brunstedt, associate professor of history at Texas A&M University, how Russian President Vladimir Putin has weaponized the Soviet myths about World War II to help him justify Russia’s war against Ukraine. This propaganda campaign aims to create a narrative that portrays Putin as a strong and just leader who is fighting for what is rightfully his.
**US-Turkey Relations**
The US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also made comments on the state of relations between Ukraine and the US. He suggested a reset in relations following the signing of a bilateral minerals deal on April 30, which establishes a 50-50 joint investment fund focused on new critical minerals and energy projects.
**War Criminal or Not?**
While some may view Putin’s actions as those of a war criminal, Bessent believes that negotiation is essential. He compared it to the negotiations that took place with Japan after World War II. Others, however, believe that the US should be more vocal in its condemnation of Russia’s aggression.
What do you think? Should the US take a stronger stance against Putin’s actions, or should diplomacy continue? Share your thoughts!
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