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The Hill
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Rubio discusses new idea for Ukraine peace talks in meeting with Lavrov
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he discussed a new idea for a potential Ukraine ceasefire during a Thursday meeting with his counterpart, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Rubio, who also serves as President Trump's national security adviser, confirmed that Lavrov presented new ideas about Ukraine peace negotiations during the 50-minute meeting. 'I think it's a new and a different approach. Again, I wouldn't characterize it as something that guarantees peace, but it's a concept that we'll – I'll take back to the president today and – here as soon as I finish with you,' Rubio told reporters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, after the huddle with the Russian diplomat. 'We shared some ideas and comments, which I'll take back to Washington as early as this evening in terms of calls and reflected, and perhaps there's something to build on there,' the secretary of state added. Rubio said the administration will continue to engage with all parties and added that he relayed Trump's frustrations with Russia over the 'lack of progress in peace talks or in a path forward.' 'And look, the president's been pretty clear. He's disappointed and frustrated that there's not been more flexibility on the Russian side to bring about an end to this conflict,' Rubio said after the huddle. 'We hope that can change, and we're going to continue to stay involved where we see opportunities to make a difference.' Russia's Foreign Ministry said Lavrov and Rubio had a 'substantive and frank exchange' of views over the situation in Ukraine. They also touched on Iran, Syria and other 'international issues.' 'They have reaffirmed mutual commitment to searching for peaceful solutions to conflict situations and resuming Russian-US economic and humanitarian cooperation and unhindered ties between their countries' societies, which could be promoted by the resumption of direct flights,' Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement after the meeting, adding that Rubio and Lavror 'emphasized the importance of continued efforts to normalise the functioning of bilateral diplomatic missions.' The two diplomats met while at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum. This was their second in-person meeting since Rubio became the U.S.'s top diplomat. The meeting took place as Trump has ramped up his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent days. 'That is a war that it should have never happened. A lot of people are dying and it should end. We get a lot of bulls— thrown at us by Putin, if you want to know the truth. He's very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless,' Trump said during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Trump has pushed to end the three-year war in Eastern Europe, but has had limited success so far, as Russia appears not to have budged on its demands. Russia has continued its attacks on Ukraine, firing 728 drones, including over 300 Shahed drones earlier this week, hitting the city of Lutsk, located in the northwest of the country, the hardest. Putin talked with Trump on Thursday last week, saying hours later that he had made 'no progress' in forging a potential ceasefire. The president also said that he was 'disappointed' with the conversation and that he does not think Putin was 'looking to stop, and that's too bad.' The huddle between Rubio and Lavrov came just days after the U.S. resumed sending some defensive weapons to Ukraine, reversing course days after the Defense Department paused deliveries of air defense missiles and munitions. The president said the continued delivery of some weapons was needed to ensure Ukraine can defend itself amid the attacks from Russia.


Time of India
04-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India conveys concerns to US Senator on Russian oil 'tariff'
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India has officially expressed its concerns to US senator Lindsey Graham on a proposed bill seeking to impose a 500 per cent tariff on countries importing crude oil from Russia. "Regarding Senator Lindsey Graham's bill, any development which is happening in the US Congress is of interest to us if it impacts our interest or could impact our interest. So we have been in touch with Senator Lindsey Graham. The embassy, ambassador have been in touch," Jaishankar told reporters in Washington on Wednesday. He said Graham has been made aware of India's concerns and interests in the energy and security space. "We'll then have to cross that bridge when we come to it, if we come to it," he added. Experts on Russian-US affairs indicated that India could be seeking a waiver under the bill. The bill proposes to levy a 500 per cent tariff on any nation that buys Russian oil, natural gas, uranium, and other products. The bill has over 80 co-sponsors in the Senate, potentially making it veto-proof. Speaking to ABC news on Sunday, Graham claimed US President Trump told him that the sanctions bill should be brought forward for a vote. Earlier in May, Graham said he is in touch with Trump about the bill. Republican lawmakers have indicated they are worried about moving the bill but are waiting for Trump's approval before bringing it to the floor of the Senate. The proposed bill comes amid efforts by the White House to stabilise ties with the Kremlin. Meanwhile, Jaishankar also acknowledged the challenge of finding consensus among international partners. He said countries are not supporting each other "sufficiently enough" when countering terrorism. "Part of diplomacy is to exhort them, encourage them, persuade them, motivate them to do that, and which is why it's important to speak up, and which is why it's important to carry them with us to the best possibility," he said.


Time of India
03-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India conveys concerns to US Senator on Russian oil 'tariff'
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India has officially expressed its concerns to US senator Lindsey Graham on a proposed bill seeking to impose a 500% tariff on countries importing crude oil from Russia. "Regarding Senator Lindsey Graham's bill, any development which is happening in the US Congress is of interest to us if it impacts our interest or could impact our interest. So we have been in touch with Senator Lindsey Graham. The embassy, ambassador have been in touch," Jaishankar told reporters in Washington on Wednesday. He said Graham has been made aware of India's concerns and interests in the energy and security space. "We'll then have to cross that bridge when we come to it, if we come to it," he added. Experts on Russian-US affairs indicated that India could be seeking a waiver under the bill. The bill proposes to levy a 500% tariff on any nation that buys Russian oil, natural gas, uranium, and other products. The bill has over 80 co-sponsors in the Senate, potentially making it veto-proof. Speaking to ABC news on Sunday, Graham claimed US President Trump told him that the sanctions bill should be brought forward for a vote. Earlier in May, Graham said he is in touch with Trump about the bill. Republican lawmakers have indicated they are worried about moving the bill but are waiting for Trump's approval before bringing it to the floor of the Senate. The proposed bill comes amid efforts by the White House to stabilise ties with the Kremlin. Meanwhile, Jaishankar also acknowledged the challenge of finding consensus among international partners. He said countries are not supporting each other "sufficiently enough" when countering terrorism. "Part of diplomacy is to exhort them, encourage them, persuade them, motivate them to do that, and which is why it's important to speak up, and which is why it's important to carry them with us to the best possibility," he said.


Economic Times
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
Putin shocks Trump, says 'We like Melania better'; US President then shares his hilarious response
Reuters Trump told the crowd, "Putin just said, 'they respect your wife a lot.'" US President Donald Trump let his wife Melania co-sign legislation Monday to outlaw artificial intelligence-generated porn with real people's faces. This came moments after claiming that Russian president Vladimir Putin had gushed about the first lady during a high-stakes phone call about the Ukraine gave an insight into the discussion between himself and Russian leader Vladimir Putin during their two-hour call today. While the focus was on peace negotiations for the war in Ukraine, and Russian-US trade, Trump said Putin had also brought up First Lady at a White House Rose Garden signing ceremony for the "Take It Down" bill, Trump told the crowd, "Putin just said, 'they respect your wife a lot.'" ALSO READ: 'I'll shove it up their...': Trump says nobody gonna mention that he got Olympics and Fifa World Cup When Trump responded, "what about me?" he said that Putin had responded, "They like Melania better." 'Putin just said, they [Russians] respect your wife a lot,' said Trump before signing the Take It Down Act during a Rose Garden ceremony. 'I said, 'What about me?' They like Melania better.' Trump's light-hearted story added a personal touch to his interactions with Putin. He also mentioned spending two and a half hours talking to Putin about serious issues. Trump noted that progress was made in their discussions. Trump addressed the ongoing conflict, noting that 5,000 young people are dying each week. He expressed hope that the discussions underway would lead to meaningful improvements. Trump also engaged with leaders from European nations in an effort to tackle the crisis collaboratively. ALSO READ: White House study raises alarm: 9 million Americans could lose health insurance in 'major' recession if... He took a moment to thank First Lady Melania Trump for her leadership on critical issues, praising her dedication and compassion. He highlighted her efforts in securing $25 million to provide housing and support for youth aging out of foster care. Trump acknowledged the presence and support of several senators and congressmen at the event, expressing gratitude for their commitment to addressing these urgent matters. Their participation underscored the shared dedication to achieving meaningful in attendance was Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X. Trump commended her leadership and asked her to stand for recognition, noting that her involvement reflected the importance of public-private collaboration in reaching shared goals.A key highlight of the event was Trump's signing of the Take It Down Act into law. The legislation targets the non-consensual distribution of explicit images, including deepfakes—AI-generated content often used to harass and exploit individuals. Trump stressed the urgent need for this law, emphasizing the harm caused by such abuses and the importance of accountability. The act aims to prevent further harm and protect individuals from technological misuse. ALSO READ: Did Beyoncé take $10 million to appear at Kamala Harris' rally? Trump makes big claim The 'Take It Down Act' criminalizes the distribution of non-consensual intimate imagery — including 'revenge porn' that features real images and artificial intelligence-generated photos and Trump, 78, signed the legislation, he passed the bill and a pen to his wife and asked for her signature in a reflection of her advocacy. 'She deserves to sign it,' the president said, adding that 'America is blessed to have such a dedicated and compassionate first lady.'Melania Trump is believed to be the first lady to sign a piece of legislation alongside a sitting president. 'This legislation is a powerful step forward in our efforts to ensure that every American, especially young people, can feel better protected from their image or identity being abused,' said Melania Trump, 55.'Artificial intelligence and social media are the digital candy for the next generation — sweet, addictive and engineered to have an impact on the connectivity development of our children,' she added. 'But unlike sugar, these new technologies can be weaponized, shape beliefs and sadly, affect emotions.' ALSO READ: FBI chief Kash Patel, accused of spending more time at nightclubs than office, makes big announcement 'We've all heard about deep fakes. I have them all the time, but nobody does anything,' said the president during his remarks. 'I ask [Attorney General] Pam [Bondi], 'Can you help me, Pam?' She says, 'No, I'm too busy, too busy doing other things, don't worry, you'll survive.' But a lot of people don't survive.'Ahead of Monday's bill signing, 49 states had laws barring 'revenge porn' on the books, with South Carolina the lone exception. The new federal law passed the House 409-2 and the Senate by unanimous consent, becoming one of the first pieces of legislation criminalizing aspects of face up to two years in federal prison if the images feature an adult or three years if they depict a minor. Websites must remove content within 48 hours of notification that the images violated the law, with enforcement delegated to the Federal Trade Commission.


Time of India
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Putin shocks Trump, says 'We like Melania better'; US President then shares his hilarious response
US President Donald Trump let his wife Melania co-sign legislation Monday to outlaw artificial intelligence-generated porn with real people's faces. This came moments after claiming that Russian president Vladimir Putin had gushed about the first lady during a high-stakes phone call about the Ukraine war. Trump gave an insight into the discussion between himself and Russian leader Vladimir Putin during their two-hour call today. While the focus was on peace negotiations for the war in Ukraine, and Russian-US trade, Trump said Putin had also brought up First Lady Melania. Speaking at a White House Rose Garden signing ceremony for the "Take It Down" bill, Trump told the crowd, "Putin just said, 'they respect your wife a lot.'" by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Semua yang Perlu Anda Ketahui Tentang Limfoma Limfoma Pelajari Undo ALSO READ: 'I'll shove it up their...': Trump says nobody gonna mention that he got Olympics and Fifa World Cup When Trump responded, "what about me?" he said that Putin had responded, "They like Melania better." Live Events 'Putin just said, they [Russians] respect your wife a lot,' said Trump before signing the Take It Down Act during a Rose Garden ceremony. 'I said, 'What about me?' They like Melania better.' Trump thanks Melania Trump's light-hearted story added a personal touch to his interactions with Putin. He also mentioned spending two and a half hours talking to Putin about serious issues. Trump noted that progress was made in their discussions. Trump addressed the ongoing conflict, noting that 5,000 young people are dying each week. He expressed hope that the discussions underway would lead to meaningful improvements. Trump also engaged with leaders from European nations in an effort to tackle the crisis collaboratively. ALSO READ: White House study raises alarm: 9 million Americans could lose health insurance in 'major' recession if... He took a moment to thank First Lady Melania Trump for her leadership on critical issues, praising her dedication and compassion. He highlighted her efforts in securing $25 million to provide housing and support for youth aging out of foster care. Trump acknowledged the presence and support of several senators and congressmen at the event, expressing gratitude for their commitment to addressing these urgent matters. Their participation underscored the shared dedication to achieving meaningful change. Also in attendance was Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X. Trump commended her leadership and asked her to stand for recognition, noting that her involvement reflected the importance of public-private collaboration in reaching shared goals. A key highlight of the event was Trump's signing of the Take It Down Act into law. The legislation targets the non-consensual distribution of explicit images, including deepfakes—AI-generated content often used to harass and exploit individuals. Trump stressed the urgent need for this law, emphasizing the harm caused by such abuses and the importance of accountability. The act aims to prevent further harm and protect individuals from technological misuse. ALSO READ: Did Beyoncé take $10 million to appear at Kamala Harris' rally? Trump makes big claim The Take It Down Act The 'Take It Down Act' criminalizes the distribution of non-consensual intimate imagery — including 'revenge porn' that features real images and artificial intelligence-generated photos and videos. After Trump, 78, signed the legislation, he passed the bill and a pen to his wife and asked for her signature in a reflection of her advocacy. 'She deserves to sign it,' the president said, adding that 'America is blessed to have such a dedicated and compassionate first lady.' Melania Trump is believed to be the first lady to sign a piece of legislation alongside a sitting president. 'This legislation is a powerful step forward in our efforts to ensure that every American, especially young people, can feel better protected from their image or identity being abused,' said Melania Trump, 55. 'Artificial intelligence and social media are the digital candy for the next generation — sweet, addictive and engineered to have an impact on the connectivity development of our children,' she added. 'But unlike sugar, these new technologies can be weaponized, shape beliefs and sadly, affect emotions.' ALSO READ: FBI chief Kash Patel, accused of spending more time at nightclubs than office, makes big announcement 'We've all heard about deep fakes. I have them all the time, but nobody does anything,' said the president during his remarks. 'I ask [Attorney General] Pam [Bondi], 'Can you help me, Pam?' She says, 'No, I'm too busy, too busy doing other things, don't worry, you'll survive.' But a lot of people don't survive.' Ahead of Monday's bill signing, 49 states had laws barring 'revenge porn' on the books, with South Carolina the lone exception. The new federal law passed the House 409-2 and the Senate by unanimous consent, becoming one of the first pieces of legislation criminalizing aspects of AI. Perpetrators face up to two years in federal prison if the images feature an adult or three years if they depict a minor. Websites must remove content within 48 hours of notification that the images violated the law, with enforcement delegated to the Federal Trade Commission.