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The stark divide between what Putin said and what he meant

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CNN
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There is often a gulf between what Russian President Vladimir Putin says and what he actually means.

Asked about the US-backed proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, Putin gave a long and convoluted answer during his Thursday news conference. Some sentences were made-for-TV, with short quotes that sounded very favorable – when seen out of context – to the Trump administration’s plan, which Ukraine has already agreed to.

Early on in his answer, Putin said “we agree with the proposal” – a quote that made headlines across the world. But he went on to make it clear that Moscow will not agree to an actual deal any time soon.

In his full response, Putin effectively shut down the idea – demanding concessions from Kyiv, raising numerous questions and repeating the maximalist demands that Russia has held since it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Trump himself commented positively on Putin’s reaction to the ceasefire proposal, saying in an upbeat tone that it was “promising… but it wasn’t complete.”

But a closer look at what Putin said makes it clear that Russia is stalling and remains entrenched in its long-held positions:

“We agree with the proposal to cease hostilities but we have to bear in mind that this ceasefire must be aimed at a long-lasting peace and it must look at the root causes of the crisis.” – Putin

It’s not the first time Putin has urged eliminating what he calls the “root causes” of the war, and the Kremlin has previously claimed the current democratically elected Ukrainian government is part of those.

One of the Kremlin’s rationales for the war was that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s election was illegitimate.

Putin would instead like to see a pro-Russian leader installed in Ukraine. (In recent weeks, Trump has echoed the Kremlin’s calls for Zelensky to be replaced, going as far as claiming that the Ukrainian president is a dictator.)

The “root causes” also refer to the Kremlin’s claims that Russia is threatened by NATO expansion after the Cold War. That reflects Putin’s desire to see the military alliance withdraw from former Communist states that were part of the Soviet sphere of influence, such as Poland, Romania and the Czech Republic.

A resident walks at the site of a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Odesa, Ukraine on March 8.

In the past, he has falsely claimed that NATO made a commitment not to expand eastwards after the fall of the USSR. In fact, NATO has always had an open-door policy.

Putin has repeatedly used NATO as an excuse for his invasion of Ukraine and demanded that Kyiv is blocked from joining the alliance and accept permanent neutrality.

“To Putin, the ‘root cause’ of the conflict is Ukraine’s desire to be an independent country and choose its own path in domestic and foreign policy,” said Brian Taylor, a political science professor at Syracuse University. “Further, he pointed to ‘nuances’ and proceeded to ask at least 16 questions about the details of any ceasefire agreement.”

“Who will give orders to cease hostilities and what will be the price? Who will determine who violated it where and how over a 2,000- kilometer (1,200-mile) stretch (of the frontline)? And who will blame this violation on whom later? These are all questions that require painstaking research from both sides.” – Putin

The Russian president questioning how a ceasefire would be implemented effectively restates his opposition to European proposals to put peacekeeping forces on the ground in Ukraine in the event of a deal.

The Kremlin has previously said it would be unacceptable for troops from NATO countries to be present in Ukraine, even under national flags. On Thursday, Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson went further, saying Moscow would consider “any” foreign military presence in Ukraine “unacceptable.”

The Druzhba hotel was badly damaged after a Russian missile attack on March 12 in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine.

Putin then called for “painstaking research from both sides” suggests that he intends to drag out negotiations for a long time.

His stalling could be a tactic to buy time for Russia’s advancement in the Kursk region, where Ukraine still occupies some territory. Russian forces have made swift moves this week to reclaim ground in Kursk, which could remove one of Kyiv’s only bargaining chips as peace talks progress.

“Regarding Ukraine’s readiness to cease hostilities –- you know, the American-Ukrainian meeting in Saudi Arabia may outwardly look like a decision made by the Ukrainian side under American pressure. But in fact, I am absolutely convinced that the Ukrainian side should have asked the Americans for this in the most insistent manner, based on the situation that is developing on the ground.” – Putin

Here, Putin is arguing that Ukraine – not the United States – is actually the side pressing for a ceasefire.

The Trump administration, however, has repeatedly emphasized its desire for a quick resolution to the war and publicly said Ukraine doesn’t hold any cards in the peace negotiations. “I think we’re going to be in very good shape to get it done. We want to get it over with,” Trump said in the Oval Office on Thursday night after Putin made his comments.

Putin reiterated at several times during his Thursday news conference the Kremlin’s argument that a temporary 30-day ceasefire would benefit Ukraine, potentially allowing the country to regroup and have more weapons delivered. (Russia would also benefit from regrouping.)

Firefighters work at the site of a Russian drone strike in Odesa, Ukraine on March 11.

That may be an attempt to further the idea that Zelensky doesn’t want to achieve long-term peace – a narrative Russia is pushing despite invading Ukraine unprovoked in 2014 and launching a full-scale invasion in 2022.

“It seems to me that it would be very good for the Ukrainian side to achieve a truce for at least 30 days and we are all for it, but there are nuances.” – Putin

Saying Russia is “all for it” but then calling for drawn-out negotiations and a discussion of “nuances” is a good reflection of Putin’s position on a ceasefire:

Did the Russian leader want to sound favorable to Trump, expressing solidarity with his position? Yes.

Did Russia actually shift on any of its previous demands? It doesn’t appear so.

“Putin’s answer seems carefully crafted to sound like a ‘yes’ to Trump but be a ‘no’ in practice, unless Ukraine is forced to submit to Russia’s demands,” Syracuse’s Taylor said.



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Bezos-Sanchez wedding: Venice protesters claim victory in venue change

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CNN
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Protesters in Venice rallying against the impending nuptials of billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and journalist Lauren Sanchez have claimed victory after their threats of disruption reportedly prompted a change of wedding venues.

The group, No Space for Bezos, had called for a blockade on canals around the 14th-century Grande Scuola Misericordia in central Venice, which is thought to be where the couple wanted to hold a massive party on June 28, the day after exchanging vows.

It claims the party will now move to the less picturesque venue of a “tese,” or shipyard, in a renovated maritime area known as the Arsenale on the outer edge of Venice. This, it said, was victory over Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro’s condemnation of the protests.

“We won! The protest managed to ruin Bezos’ plans and Mayor Brugnaro’s palace games,” the group said in an online campaign post. “They were forced to flee and take refuge in Tese 91 of the Arsenale. Even Bezos’ two yachts, Koru and Abeona, will not arrive in Venice.”

Details remain a secret, but Bezos and Sanchez are expected to exchange vows on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore.

Few details of the Bezos and Sanchez wedding have been publicly confirmed, with dates, venues and guest lists remaining closely guarded secrets.

While some in Venice have voiced support for the upcoming wedding, opposition has intensified in recent days. No Space for Bezos also hung a banner with the Amazon owner’s name crossed out on the main bell tower on the secluded Island of San Giorgio Maggiore, where the couple are expected to be wed. Another banner was strung across the world-famous Rialto Bridge over the Grand Canal.

In a separate protest on Monday, environmental activists from Greenpeace unfurled a giant tarp with an image of a smiling Bezos below the words: “If you can rent Venice for your wedding you can pay more taxes.” Local police quickly removed the tarp, which measured approximately 400 square meters in size, according to the group.

The protests against Bezos are the latest of many to flare in Venice in recent years, with residents in the ancient lagoon city long railing against damage caused by gigantic cruise ships and the pressures of overtourism, which they say is destroying the quality of life for locals.

‘Love and responsibility’

Protesters claim their threats of disruption have resulted in a wedding party venue move to the Arsenale, an area of renovated shipyards on the outskirts of Venice.

It is thought the wedding will be a three-day affair beginning June 26 in Venice with a party likely on the Venice Lido where the city’s famous film festival is held. Locals and protesters then say the couple will exchange vows on the island of San Giorgio on June 27, and finish the destination wedding festivities with a party and concert on June 28. It is the final night’s venue that protesters say has been changed.

The No Space for Bezos protesters, who will not be able to reach the Arsenale venue, say they will now relocate their action to Venice’s Santa Lucia train station for Saturday afternoon to protest not only Bezos but also war.

“We have shown once again that Venice is not a servant of the powerful but continues to be rebellious and resistant,” the group posted on social media. “Now, faced with the war scenario that looms on the horizon, at a time when the eyes of the world are focused on Venice, we invite everyone to join the cry ‘no war.’”

Protests against the Bezos wedding have been intensifying in recent days.

On Monday evening, Luca Zaia, president of the surrounding Veneto region, announced a €1 million ($1.16 million) donation by Bezos and Sanchez to the Corila Consortium, an international scientific research group doing work on the Venice lagoon.

Zaia, who had previously called the protests against the wedding shameful, said the donation was a gesture of “love and responsibility” toward the city.

“The generous donation by Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez represents an act of great sensitivity and foresight. Venice is not only a symbolic city of Veneto and Italy, it is a heritage of humanity that demands attention, respect and care,” he said.

“Knowing that world-renowned personalities choose not only to celebrate important moments in their lives here, but also to contribute concretely to its protection, is a strong sign of love and responsibility.”

CNN’s Sharon Braithwaite contributed to this story from London



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Winning design for Queen Elizabeth II memorial unveiled

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Queen Elizabeth II’s official memorial in London’s St. James’ Park will feature a translucent bridge evoking the tiara she wore on her wedding day, as well as landscaped gardens and a statue of her husband Prince Philip.

The winning bid was submitted by architects Foster + Partners and fought off competition from four other shortlisted entries, the UK’s Cabinet Office announced on Tuesday.

With its two gates and two gardens joined by paths and a bridge, the design seeks to celebrate the ways in which the late Queen unified dualities in her life together, like “balancing tradition and modernity, public duty and private faith, the United Kingdom and a global Commonwealth,” the Cabinet Office said.

Foster + Partners’ proposal seeks to sit quietly within London’s oldest royal park, which borders three palaces – Westminster, St. James’ Palace and Buckingham Palace – in the heart of the British capital.

Its plan will remake the park with a “light touch,” much like the Queen who “encompassed… periods of significant change, socially and technologically… with a light touch,” the firm’s celebrated founder Norman Foster said in an interview with PA Media news agency.

A cast-glass balustrade along the bridge will echo the design of the Queen Mary Fringe diamond tiara Elizabeth wore at her wedding to Prince Philip. She later lent the tiara to her granddaughter Princess Beatrice for her wedding in 2020.

The bridge is one part of a design which also includes gardens, paths and statues.

Every effort will be taken to preserve the exisiting nature and biodiversity in the park, Foster added, with the bridge’s design avoiding the need for heavy building work or big excavations.

It will replace a pre-existing blue bridge and have a “very gentle presence at night, almost a kind of light lighting experience, and translucent and absolutely flat, hugging the surface of the lake so seamlessly.”

Construction of the memorial will be carried out in such a way that “the precious route across (St. James’ Park) will never be closed,” Foster added in a statement.

A statue of the late monarch will stand at the newly-named Queen Elizabeth II Place beside Marlborough Gate, an existing entrance to the park, while a statue of Philip will stand next to a new Prince Philip Gate on the other side of the park. A planned statue of the couple together will also feature in the memorial.

Meanwhile, a contemporary wind sculpture created by artist Yinka Shonibare will feature floral designs inspired by Elizabeth’s coronation gown, according to PA Media.

Gardens representing both the Commonwealth and the UK will “create spaces for reflection and coming together,” a statement released by Foster + Partners said.

The memorial will aim to create a “gentler, quieter, more contemplative” atmosphere, “and an opportunity to rediscover, or perhaps for some to discover, the legacy of Her Majesty,” Foster told PA Media.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh wave at their wedding on November 20, 1947.

The finalized design, which is subject to change while it is refined, will be announced in April 2026 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the late Queen’s birth.

The proposal was selected after a committee considered feedback from the public, stakeholders and cultural experts.

Other shortlisted designs included a lily pad-inspired walkway, a bronze oak tree and a pair of gently curved bridges.



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Lionel Messi to face former team PSG in Club World Cup round of 16 after Inter Miami progresses from group stage

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Lionel Messi is set for a reunion with former team Paris Saint-Germain after Inter Miami drew 2-2 with Brazilian club Palmeiras to reach the Club World Cup round of 16.

Goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suárez appeared to have earned Miami its second win of the group stage, but Paulinho and Maurício struck for Palmeiras inside the final 10 minutes to earn a vital draw that also sent the Verdão into the knockout stages.

Palmeiras now faces an all-Brazilian clash against Botafogo in the round of 16.

Miami and Palmeiras both finished on five points, with the Brazilians topping the group on goal difference. Portuguese club Porto and Egypt’s Al Ahly were eliminated.

“Before the start of the tournament, if someone told me that we were going to have this kind of performance against these kinds of teams, I’d sign on,” Miami head coach Javier Mascherano told DAZN.

“So I appreciate the team, the guys, all the players, because they gave more than 100 percent. I think it’s a historic night for MLS because we are into the best 16 teams in the world. So I think all of MLS has to be proud of Inter Miami.”

Miami is the only MLS team to make it through to the knockout stages, with the Seattle Sounders and Los Angeles FC being eliminated from the competition.

European champion PSG, where Messi spent two seasons between 2021-23, reached the knockouts with a comfortable 2-0 win over the Sounders thanks to goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Achraf Hakimi.

There will be another reunion at the round of 16 as Miami contingent Messi, Suárez, Mascherano, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Albi face off against former coach Luis Enrique, who led them to a historic treble at Barcelona in 2015.

Luis Suárez will also face former manager Luis Enrique.

“For the club, this kind of achievement is wonderful, and now we’ve got to compete against a PSG side that will be very tough,” Alba told DAZN. “Let’s see if we can hold our own. We’ve competed in all three matches.

“Now, obviously we’re talking about the champions of Europe. We know a lot of their players, and the coach – who I was lucky enough to play under – and I’ve always said he’s the best in the world.

“Once the game starts, it’s about going toe-to-toe, trying to beat them, and why not? This is football – let’s see how far we can go.”

Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid was eliminated despite a 1-0 win over Botafogo. The Spanish side finished on six points along with the Brazilians and PSG in Group B but lost out on goal difference.

In Group A, Porto and Al Ahly played out an enthralling 4-4 draw in a game both sides needed to win to have any hope of progressing.

Al Ahly looked on course to earn a historic win over its European opponent, but Pepê equalized for Porto with a minute remaining.

PSG faces Inter Miami in the round of 16 on Sunday.



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