World News

Putin talks Trump, Musk: Five things to know about the address on September 12, 2023 at 9:26 pm

Published

3 years ago

September 12, 2023

Here’s what you need to know from his speech.

Putin backing Trump “witch hunt” claims

Putin came to the defense of former President Trump and his legal troubles, saying the charges against him are politically motivated and signal the “rottenness” of the U.S. political system.

“Everything that’s happening with Trump is politically motivated persecution of one’s political rival, that’s what it is,” Putin said. “And it’s being done before the eyes of the U.S. public and the whole world. They’ve simply exposed their internal problems.”

But he also sees no changes on the horizon for U.S.-Russia relations, no matter the outcome of the 2024 election.

“There will be no fundamental changes in the Russian direction in U.S. foreign policy, no matter who is elected president,” he said. “The U.S. authorities perceive Russia as an existential enemy.”

Trump’s legal battles have filled his campaign schedule with court dates, but have not appeared to significantly hurt his chances at the GOP nomination for president. He remains the favorite for Republicans to take on Biden next November.

Elon Musk is “an outstanding person”

The Russian president had complimentary words for tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, who has come into controversy recently as excerpts of an upcoming biography confirmed that Musk limited Ukraine’s ability to use Starlink satellite internet during an offensive against Russian forces last year.

Putin called Musk “an outstanding person” and “an active, talented businessman,” though he did not directly refer to the Starlink controversy.

The incident has brought Musk criticism from senior Ukrainian government officials. Musk claimed he made the decision to limit Starlink access because he did not want to be responsible for the war’s consequences.

Ukraine peace talks not expected any time soon

Putin said he does not expect the war in Ukraine to end soon and signaled that he would not be in favor of a ceasefire that he said could help Ukraine recover and rearm its forces.

Any potential end to the war would require peace talks, which Ukraine has refused to hold, citing Russia’s rejection of its demands, including the cession of all formerly Ukrainian land back to Ukraine.

Once Ukraine is willing to propose different requirements, Putin said peace negotiations could be considered.

“Then we shall see,” he said.

Ukraine is in the midst of a counteroffensive in the country’s eastern region, which has reportedly broken through Russia’s initial lines in recent days.

The war, which has now lasted for more than a year and a half, has destroyed countless villages and cities throughout eastern Ukraine and killed nearly 500,000 soldiers on both sides, the U.S. has estimated.

Military experts have estimated that there could be less than two months left before winter weather forces the fighting to stop for the year.

Russia’s alternative to the Olympics

Putin also used the stage to poke fun at the Olympics, which will hold its 2024 games in Paris next summer.

Russia has been excluded from the Olympics in recent years due to doping scandals among its teams. Russian athletes competed under a neutral banner dubbed the “Russian Olympic Committee” in the 2020 and 2022 games.

Putin announced the return of the Friendship Games, a rival to the Olympics which was originally run in 1984 by the Soviet Union after Soviet-bloc states boycotted the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

The new Friendship Games will be “within the BRICS framework,” Putin said, referring to the loose economic and diplomatic alliance between Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

The Russian alternative games will be held next fall, after the Paris Olympics, and will “kill today’s international structures,” Putin said.

He also took the opportunity to criticize the International Olympic Committee, which he said was bringing politics into a sporting event intended to unite countries.

“The International Olympic Committee itself, they are distorting the original idea of Pierre de Coubertin — sport should be outside of politics. It should not divide, but unite people,“ he said.

Soviet intervention in Hungary, Czechoslovakia was a “mistake”

Putin also reflected on Soviet history, saying that military interventions during anti-Soviet unrest in Budapest and Prague during the heart of the Cold War were mistakes.

“We have long recognized that this element of Soviet policy was a mistake and led only to tensions in relations,” Putin said.

The 1956 Hungarian Uprising lasted just 12 days and ended when the Soviet Union invaded the country, killing an estimated 3,000 civilians. The 1968 Prague Spring was a similar liberalization movement, which was crushed by military force a decade later.

Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the country’s Eastern Economic Forum Tuesday and used the opportunity to comment on a bevy of topics from former President’s Trump 2024 chances to Elon Musk to the 2024 Olympics. Here’s what you need to know from his speech. Putin backing Trump “witch hunt” claims Putin came to the defense…

Business

GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT RETURNS FOR ITS 5TH EDITION AT THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT – HOUSE OF LORDS, PALACE OF WESTMINSTER

Published

1 month ago

May 16, 2026

Bolanle Media Staff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Theme: “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation”

London, United Kingdom — The Global Sustainability Summit (GSS) is officially back for its landmark 5th Edition, continuing its legacy as one of the leading international platforms driving sustainable development, climate action, ethical investment, innovation, and global collaboration.

Convened annually at the prestigious British Parliament, House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, by Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto, the Summit has, over the last four years, successfully fostered international dialogue and partnerships that have contributed to the advancement of global sustainability goals, the establishment of sustainability-focused ministries, departments and policy structures across national and subnational governments, and the attraction of major investors into sustainable development projects, corporations and emerging economies.

This year’s summit, themed “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation,” will explore how emerging technologies, responsible leadership, sustainable finance, innovation, and global partnerships can shape a more inclusive, resilient and environmentally conscious future.

The 5th Edition promises to be the most impactful yet, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, diplomats, investors, academics, innovators, climate experts and youth leaders from across the globe to discuss actionable solutions toward achieving a sustainable and equitable future.

Among the distinguished speakers, delegates and honorees already lined up for the Summit are:

• His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq — Executive Governor of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum

• His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Otu — Executive Governor of Cross River State, Nigeria

• Ambassador Patricia Espinosa Cantellano — Former Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Former Foreign Minister of Mexico

• Lord Marvin Rees, Baron Rees of Easton OBE — Member of the House of Lords, United Kingdom

• Hon. Neema K. Lugangira — Secretary-General of Women Political Leaders (WPL), Brussels and Former Member of Parliament

• Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah — President of the Republic of Namibia

• His Excellency Nangolo Mbumba — Former President of Namibia

• Former President of Tanzania

• Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq — First Lady of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairperson of Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum

• Your Excellency Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, CON — Executive Governor of Katsina State and Chairman of the Northwest Governors Forum, Nigeria

• Hon. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma — Governor of Khomas Region, Namibia

• H.E. Mr. Veiccoh Nghiwete — High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia to the United Kingdom

• Her Excellency Ms. Macenje “Che Che” Mazoka — High Commissioner of Zambia to the United Kingdom

• Ms. Danielle Newman — Partner Lead, ICT, World Economic Forum

• Leanne Elliott Young — Co-founder, Institute of Digital Fashion & CommuneEast

• Ms. Chloe Russell — Producer & Presenter, Art, Science and Nature

• Professor Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger — University of Cambridge & University of Waterloo

• Dr. Alexandra R. Harrington — IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL)

• Professor Payam Akhavan — Massey College, University of Toronto

• Mr. Mallai C. E. Sathya — President, Dravida Vetri Kazhagam and International Movement for Tamil Culture Asia

The Summit will feature high-level panel discussions, strategic investment conversations, sustainability awards, policy dialogues, innovation showcases, youth engagement sessions and international networking opportunities focused on climate resilience, ethical financing, food-water-energy sustainability, circular economy, artificial intelligence, diplomacy and sustainable development.

Speaking ahead of the Summit, Convener Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto noted:

“As the world rapidly evolves through artificial intelligence and technological innovation, we must ensure that sustainability remains people-centered, environmentally responsible and economically inclusive. The Global Sustainability Summit continues to serve as a bridge connecting governments, institutions, innovators and investors to accelerate practical sustainability solutions globally. Our fifth edition is not only a celebration of progress made over the years, but also a renewed call for global collaboration and actionable impact toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Net Zero ambitions.”

The Global Sustainability Summit continues to position itself as a catalyst for transformative partnerships and sustainable global progress, reinforcing the urgent need for collective action toward a more resilient and sustainable future.

More announcements regarding additional speakers, partners and summit activities will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

News

US May Completely Cut Income Tax Due to Tariff Revenue

Published

7 months ago

November 30, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

President Donald Trump says the United States might one day get rid of federal income tax because of money the government collects from tariffs on imported goods. Tariffs are extra taxes the U.S. puts on products that come from other countries.

What Trump Is Saying

Trump has said that tariff money could become so large that it might allow the government to cut income taxes “almost completely.” He has also talked about possibly phasing out income tax over the next few years if tariff money keeps going up.

How Taxes Work Now

Right now, the federal government gets much more money from income taxes than from tariffs. Income taxes bring in trillions of dollars each year, while tariffs bring in only a small part of that total. Because of this gap, experts say tariffs would need to grow by many times to replace income tax money.

Questions From Experts

Many economists and tax experts doubt that tariffs alone could pay for the whole federal budget. They warn that very high tariffs could make many imported goods more expensive for shoppers in the United States. This could hit lower- and middle‑income families hardest, because they spend a big share of their money on everyday items.

What Congress Must Do

The president can change some tariffs, but only Congress can change or end the federal income tax. That means any real plan to remove income tax would need new laws passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. So far, there is no detailed law or full budget plan on this idea.

What It Means Right Now

For now, Trump’s comments are a proposal, not a change in the law. People and businesses still have to pay federal income tax under the current rules. The debate over using tariffs instead of income taxes is likely to continue among lawmakers, experts, and voters.

News

Epstein Files to Be Declassified After Trump Order

Published

7 months ago

November 20, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to declassify all government files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier whose death in 2019 continues to fuel controversy and speculation.

The order, signed Wednesday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, instructs the FBI, Department of Justice, and intelligence agencies to release documents detailing Epstein’s network, finances, and alleged connections to high-profile figures. Trump described the move as “a step toward transparency and public trust,” promising that no names would be shielded from scrutiny.

“This information belongs to the American people,” Trump said in a televised statement. “For too long, powerful interests have tried to bury the truth. That ends now.”

U.S. intelligence officials confirmed that preparations for the release are already underway. According to sources familiar with the process, the first batch of documents is expected to be made public within the next 30 days, with additional releases scheduled over several months.

Reactions poured in across the political spectrum. Supporters praised the decision as a bold act of accountability, while critics alleged it was politically motivated, timed to draw attention during a volatile election season. Civil rights advocates, meanwhile, emphasized caution, warning that some records could expose private victims or ongoing legal matters.

The Epstein case, which implicated figures in politics, business, and entertainment, remains one of the most talked-about scandals of the past decade. Epstein’s connections to influential individuals—including politicians, royals, and executives—have long sparked speculation about the extent of his operations and who may have been involved.

Former federal prosecutor Lauren Fields said the release could mark a turning point in public discourse surrounding government transparency. “Regardless of political stance, this declassification has the potential to reshape how Americans view power and accountability,” Fields noted.

Officials say redactions may still occur to protect sensitive intelligence or personal information, but the intent is a near-complete disclosure. For years, critics of the government’s handling of Epstein’s case have accused agencies of concealing evidence or shielding elites from exposure. Trump’s order promises to change that narrative.

As anticipation builds, journalists, legal analysts, and online commentators are preparing for what could be one of the most consequential information releases in recent history.