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The Hill
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Russia won't commit to Putin-Zelensky meeting
Russia is refusing to commit to a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which President Trump has encouraged as a next step toward ending the war between their two countries. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov argued Tuesday that any summit between the leaders should be prepared 'step by step, gradually, starting from the expert level and then going through all the necessary stages.' Lavrov, who attended last week's summit between Trump and Putin in Alaska, made the remakrs in an interview with state-run television Rossiya-24. The foreign minister said the Kremlin is not turning down negotiations with Ukraine and added that the U.S. president has the invitation from Moscow to visit Russia. Trump was accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff in Anchorage. Trump spoke with Putin on Monday from the White House, dialing the Russian leader as he was hosting Zelensky along with seven European leaders, including the head of NATO, in Washington. The European officials and Zelensky were not in the room when Trump called Putin. 'I didn't do it in front of them — I thought that would be disrespectful to President Putin. I wouldn't do that, because they have not had the warmest relations,' Trump said Tuesday while on Fox News's 'Fox & Friends.' The conversation between the U.S. president and Putin lasted around 40 minutes, with Trump saying the call was 'good' and that he told the Russian leader that 'we're going to set up a meeting with President Zelensky, and you and he will meet.' 'And then after that meeting, if everything works out OK, I'll meet and we'll wrap it up,' the president added. Yuri Ushakov, Putin's foreign policy adviser, said on Tuesday that Trump and the Kremlin head had a 'quite frank and constructive' conversation, discussing the 'prospect of exploring opportunities for drawing higher-ranking officials from both Ukraine and Russia into these direct talks. Trump, who has been pushing to end the three-and-a-half-year-old Russia-Ukraine conflict, has floated providing air support for Ukraine as part of security guarantees. The president said that Washington will assist Europe in forming security guarantees for Kyiv to fortify the potential peace treaty between Russia and Ukraine. 'We're willing to help them with things, especially, probably, if you talk about by air because nobody has stuff we have,' Trump said in an interview with Fox News. The president has instructed his national security team to 'come up with a framework for these security guarantees that can be acceptable to help ensure a lasting peace and end this war,' White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters during Tuesday's press briefing. 'I won't, certainly, rule out anything as far as military options that the president has at his disposal, I'll let him do that,' she said, adding that Trump has 'definitively' ruled out U.S. service members being on the ground in Ukraine.
India Today
a day ago
- Politics
- India Today
Putin offers to host Zelenskyy in Russia for one-on-one meeting: Report
Moscow on Tuesday sought to temper expectations of a breakthrough in direct peace talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as speculation increased after a phone call between Putin and US President Donald to Politico, Putin briefly suggested hosting Zelenskyy for a one-on-one meeting in Russia. The call took place on Monday while Zelenskyy and several European leaders were at the White House for meetings with those who heard the details of the exchange said it was difficult to take seriously. "It was clear that it wasn't serious," said an offical as quoted by Politico. "Everyone immediately dismissed it and passed it by yesterday, and today the media is making a big deal out of it."WHITE HOUSE PUSHES FOR PUTIN-ZELENSKYY SUMMIT White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also confirmed plans for a one-on-one meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are moving to reporters on Tuesday, Leavitt confirmed that discussions are "underway" with "many options" being explored, though she declined to provide details on potential locations."Both leaders have expressed a willingness to sit down with each other, and so our national security team will help both countries do that," Leavitt said during the Trump has been promoting the idea of a trilateral meeting -- including himself, Putin and Zelenskyy -- as the best way forward to resolve the war in the White House gathering, he called Putin and told the leaders present that he had begun "the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy.""I think he wants to make a deal. I think he wants to make a deal for me," Trump was overheard telling French President Emmanuel Macron on a hot mic, before joining a multilateral meeting with Zelenskyy and the European Kremlin later confirmed that the two presidents had discussed Ukraine. "Putin and Trump discussed the idea of raising the level of direct Russian-Ukrainian negotiations," said Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, adding that both leaders "spoke in favour of continuing direct negotiations between the delegations of the Russian Federation and Ukraine."LAVROV URGES 'STEP-BY-STEP' APPROACHDespite the speculation, Russian officials struck a cautious tone. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow did not reject the idea of talks with Ukraine but insisted any summit had to be carefully staged. "Such meetings must be prepared step by step, gradually, starting from the expert level and then going through all the necessary stages," he told Rossiya-24 state incremental approach has been a familiar tactic from Moscow -- signalling openness in principle while delaying in May, Putin floated the idea of talks with Zelenskyy but later sent a lower-level CONFIRMS WILLINGNESS TO MEET PUTINFor his part, Zelenskyy appeared open to the idea, telling reporters in Washington that Ukraine was "ready" for talks and that summit plans would likely be "formalised in some way in the next week or 10 days."US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed Putin's move, saying, :Just the fact that Putin is saying, 'sure, I'll meet with Zelenskyy' -- that's a big deal.""We're not there yet, but that's what we're aiming towards and that's one of the things that was discussed today, is how to get to that point," he as he signalled interest in talks, Putin reiterated Russia's long-standing demands during his recent meeting with Trump in Alaska. He said the "root causes" of the conflict must be addressed before any real settlement could be reached.- EndsWith inputs from agenciesMust Watch
Observer
03-07-2025
- Observer
AI Anchors & Deepfake Dilemmas
What generative AI means for storytelling, newsroom ethics, and public trust In Japan, a moment of technological bravado turned into a reflection of society's unease about the future of information. In 2018, NHK, Japan's public broadcaster, introduced a collaboration with 'Kizuna AI,' an AI-generated news anchor designed to deliver updates seamlessly in multiple languages. The debut was streamed live to millions, and reaction was swift and divided. Some viewers marveled at the innovation, seeing it as a step forward; others felt unsettled, questioning whether they were watching genuine journalism or a synthetic facsimile. 'It felt surreal—I was watching a robot instead of a person,' said one viewer on social media. 'It made me wonder what the future holds for real news anchors.' This incident exemplifies a larger phenomenon: the gradual integration of artificial intelligence into newsrooms around the world—raising profound questions about authenticity, trust, and the very foundation of journalism. Artificial intelligence is no longer a speculative tool; it is actively reshaping how news is produced and delivered across continents. In South Korea, major broadcasters like KBS and MBC have piloted AI newsreaders, capable of delivering stories in multiple languages, 24/7, without the fatigue or bias that human anchors sometimes face. These systems analyse enormous datasets rapidly and generate scripts, allowing faster coverage of breaking news. In Russia, the state-funded Channel One launched a virtual presenter called 'Rossiya-24', which can deliver news with a natural voice and facial expressions similar to a human anchor. Meanwhile, in Europe, outlets like Deutsche Welle have begun experimenting with AI-assisted translation and summarisation tools, making content accessible to a broader audience. These initiatives are driven by practical benefits: reducing costs, increasing coverage speed, especially during crises, and personalising news. Yet, the ethical landscape is murky. As Dr. Sarah Thompson, media analyst at The Guardian, remarks, 'While AI can be a powerful tool, it risks depersonalising news, eroding verification standards, and raising questions about accountability—especially when AI-generated content goes viral and causes harm.' Deepfakes and the Misinformation Menace The public's response to AI in journalism is varied and complex. For some, these virtual anchors evoke admiration for technological progress and efficiency. A segment of the audience is intrigued by the innovation; they appreciate the novelty and convenience. However, many people express discomfort, distrust, and even disdain. 'It's unsettling,' confesses one social media user, a teacher from London. 'I don't feel like I'm getting honest news if I can't see a real person behind it. There's something about authenticity that's missing.' According to a recent survey by Pew Research Center, trust in traditional media is declining globally, and the rise of AI and deepfake content is only deepening scepticism. The survey uncovered that almost 60% of respondents in the U.S. think that intentionally manipulated media will become harder to detect in the next few years, leading to a 'crisis of credibility' for the news industry. Deepfake technology — highly realistic artificial videos and images manipulated via AI — has emerged as perhaps the greatest threat to the integrity of information. In early 2024, a manipulated video of a prominent political leader making inflammatory remarks went viral, causing widespread outrage before being conclusively debunked by fact-checkers. The damage extended beyond social media, influencing public opinion, and impacting political discourse. Professor Hany Farid, a leading computer science and digital forensics expert at UC Berkeley, warns, 'Deepfakes can be nearly impossible to distinguish from authentic footage. The societal risk is that once society loses faith in visual evidence, it becomes exceedingly difficult to trust any media source.' The BBC's recent investigation highlighted how deepfakes are increasingly being used to spread disinformation, sway elections, and manipulate stock markets. As the technology becomes more accessible, the challenge isn't just technical detection but societal resilience—how to safeguard truth amid a flood of synthetic content. The rising use of AI and deepfake technology prompts urgent questions about ethics, responsibility, and standards. When a news organization publishes AI-generated content, transparency becomes critical. Audiences need to know whether they are viewing a human or an artificial creation. Renowned media ethicist Robert Dreher, a professor at the University of Texas and author of Mass Media and Its Ethical Dilemmas, stated in a 2022 interview with The Atlantic, 'Transparency about the use of AI in newsrooms is not optional—it's essential. If audiences are kept in the dark, trust erodes rapidly, and the integrity of journalism is compromised.' His comments highlight the importance of clear disclosure to maintain credibility in a landscape saturated with synthetic content. Some outlets are investing in this future through innovation. The Associated Press, for example, uses AI to generate financial reports and sports summaries, freeing up journalists to focus on investigative stories and nuanced reporting. Similarly, the BBC recently developed AI-powered tools to help verify video content, reducing the spread of deepfake misinformation. Building Resilience: Education and Regulation The path forward requires a combination of technological innovation, legislative action, and public media literacy. Educating audiences about the existence of synthetic media and training them to recognise hallmarks of manipulation are crucial steps. Regulators are also stepping in. The European Union has proposed legislation requiring platforms to label deepfake videos and take responsibility for combating misinformation. Meanwhile, tech companies like Meta and Google are developing detection algorithms designed to fight AI-generated disinformation. The public's response to AI in journalism is varied and complex. For some, these virtual anchors evoke admiration for technological progress and efficiency. A segment of the audience is intrigued by the innovation; they appreciate the novelty and convenience. However, many people express discomfort, distrust, and even disdain. 'When I see a digital face delivering the news, I wonder if I can trust it,' said David Bromwich, a media scholar and professor at Yale University, in a 2023 interview with The New York Times. 'There's a human element missing, and that raises questions about authenticity and integrity.' According to a 2024 Pew Research Center survey, trust in traditional media remains fragile worldwide, and the rise of deepfake content and AI-generated news amplifies skepticism. Nearly 60% of respondents in the United States believe that manipulated media will become increasingly difficult to identify in the coming years, deepening fears about misinformation. Embracing Vigilance and Ethical Progress The rise of AI-driven news, virtual anchors, and deepfakes reveals the necessity for a cultural shift in how we consume and trust information. As Dr. Emily Carter of The Times notes, 'We need to develop a more sceptical, discerning public media literacy. Recognising that not everything we see or hear is real is now as essential as understanding effects of climate change.' This technological revolution forces us to confront uncomfortable truths: that much of what we may have taken for granted about the authenticity of news is shifting beneath our feet. Trust, once a given, now requires active safeguarding. The Japanese AI anchor incident exemplifies both the promise and peril of this new era. As AI continues to infiltrate every facet of media, it is increasingly vital for society—audiences, journalists, policymakers, and technologists—to work in concert. Only through transparency, regulation, and education can we hope to harness AI's potential for good without sacrificing the integrity of public discourse. The real story isn't just about the technology itself; it's about what kind of society we choose to build around it. Will we accept AI's marvels with open eyes, or fall prey to its manipulations? The choice is ours—but the stakes could not be higher.
Newsweek
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Putin's Helicopter Targeted in Drone Strike, Commander Says
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Vladimir Putin's helicopter was targeted by Ukrainian drones as he visited Kursk region in a surprise visit last week, an official has claimed. The alleged attack took place as Russian president visited the border region for the first time since Moscow claimed it had repelled Ukrainian forces from the area last month. His helicopter was "at the epicenter" of a "large-scale" Ukrainian drone attack on May 20, Yury Dashkin, commander of an air defense division, said, according to Kremlin newswire Tass. "The intensity of the attack during the flight of the aircraft with the Commander-in-Chief over the territory of the Kursk Region increased significantly. Therefore, we simultaneously conducted an air defense battle and ensured the safety of the presidential helicopter's flight in the air," Dashkin said in an interview aired by the state-run Rossiya-24 TV channel. This is a developing story and will be updated.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Putin's helicopter ‘fended off drone attack'
Vladimir Putin's helicopter was forced to shoot down drones while the Russian president was aboard, a Moscow official said on Sunday. Air defence commander Maj Gen Yuri Dashkin told state television that Putin's aircraft was involved in an 'air defence battle' after finding itself in the middle of an 'unprecedented Ukrainian drone assault'. The incident was said to have happened last week when the Russian leader was on a tour of the Kursk region, part of which Ukraine previously occupied. 'During the period when the president was working in the Kursk region, the enemy launched an unprecedented attack with unmanned aerial vehicles,' Gen Dashkin said in an interview with Rossiya-24 television. He added: 'We simultaneously conducted an air defence battle and ensured the safety of the presidential helicopter's flight in the air.' Russian forces destroyed several Ukrainian drones during the operation, Gen Dashkin claimed. 'The task was accomplished,' he said. 'The attack of the enemy drones was repelled, and all air targets were hit.' Ukraine has not responded to the claims. If verified, the timing of the drone attack would suggest Ukrainian forces had advanced intelligence about Putin's visit to the war zone. The Kremlin did not publicly disclose the trip until after Putin had left the region. Wearing a smart suit, Putin met with volunteers, municipal leaders and acting governor Alexander Khinshtein during the visit on Tuesday. He also inspected construction of the Kursk-II nuclear power plant, in his first to the region since April 26. On his visit to a command post in Kursk in March, he wore olive green military fatigues. Putin was believed to be travelling in an Mi-17 helicopter, an evolution of the Soviet-era Mi-8. The Mi-17 is 82ft long and can carry up to 30 passengers or four tons of cargo. It is equipped with defensive systems including infrared jammers, flare dispensers and armoured plating around critical components, designed to counter heat-seeking missiles and small-arms fire. However, the helicopter's defensive systems are not normally powerful enough against coordinated drone attacks, which is why escorts and ground-based protection are needed for risky flights. Ukrainian forces launched a significant ground incursion into Kursk in August 2024 and seized territory before Russian counter-offensives pushed them back months later. Following the shock incursion, Putin poured in tens of thousands of Russian troops, with the help of a North Korean deployment, to break Kyiv's hold on the frontier territory. Valery Gerasimov, chief of the general staff for Russia's armed forces, said his forces had pushed Ukrainians out of the territory while fighting 'shoulder to shoulder' with North Koreans. Ukraine has increasingly used drones to strike targets deep inside Russia, including oil refineries, military airfields and government facilities. Russian air defence systems have faced increasing pressure as Ukraine expands its drone operations. The frequency and scale of Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory have grown significantly since the conflict's early months. In May 2023, Ukrainian drones damaged the Kremlin's Senate Palace. The unprecedented attack on the very symbol of Russian statehood sent shockwaves well beyond Moscow. The helicopter attack would mark one of the most direct attempts to target Putin personally since the war began. Unlike Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, who frequently visits the front line, Putin has largely avoided combat zones over the past three years. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
