Iran–U.S. Nuclear Talks in Oman Face Major Hurdles Amid Rising Regional Tensions 
Trump Backs Nexstar–Tegna Merger Amid Shifting U.S. Media Landscape 
Norway Opens Corruption Probe Into Former PM and Nobel Committee Chair Thorbjoern Jagland Over Epstein Links 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
US Pushes Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks Before Summer Amid Escalating Attacks 
Japan Election 2026: Sanae Takaichi Poised for Landslide Win Despite Record Snowfall 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Missouri Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging Starbucks’ Diversity and Inclusion Policies 
China Warns US Arms Sales to Taiwan Could Disrupt Trump’s Planned Visit 
U.S. to Begin Paying UN Dues as Financial Crisis Spurs Push for Reforms 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
Trump Says “Very Good Talks” Underway on Russia-Ukraine War as Peace Efforts Continue 
TrumpRx.gov Highlights GLP-1 Drug Discounts but Offers Limited Savings for Most Americans 
Nighttime Shelling Causes Serious Damage in Russia’s Belgorod Region Near Ukraine Border 
New York Legalizes Medical Aid in Dying for Terminally Ill Patients 
Jack Lang Resigns as Head of Arab World Institute Amid Epstein Controversy 
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is entering its fourth week as Russia continues its offensive. The UN’s International Court of Justice ordered Russia to cease all its military operations in Ukraine, expressing concern over Moscow’s use of force on Ukrainians.
The judges at the International Court of Justice ruled in a 13-2 vote Wednesday that Russia must stop its military offensive on Ukraine. The judges added that Russia must ensure that other military forces that it controls or supports also cease operations in Ukraine. Ukraine filed its case on Russia shortly after Putin announced the invasion, saying that Putin’s reasons to justify the invasion, such as preventing genocide in eastern Ukraine, are unfounded.
While the verdict may be binding, there is no definite way to enforce the order. There have been cases, while rare, where countries have ignored rulings by the ICJ. However, countries that refuse to comply with the court’s order will be referred to the UN Security Council, where Russia also holds veto power.
Nevertheless, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the decision by the court.
“Ukraine gained a complete victory in its case against Russia at the International Court of Justice. The ICJ ordered to immediately stop the invasion. The order is binding under international law. Russia must comply immediately. Ignoring the order will isolate Russia even further,” tweeted Zelenskyy.
During the hearings, Ukraine said that there is no threat of genocide in its eastern region, citing the UN 1948 Genocide Convention, which both countries have signed, does not allow an invasion to prevent such an event from happening. Russia did not attend ICJ hearings on March 7, describing the lawsuit as absurd.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused Russia of committing war crimes in Ukraine, echoing President Joe Biden’s remarks, with the US leader also referring to the Russian dictator as a “war criminal.”
Speaking with reporters, Blinken said the State Department is already documenting and evaluating possible war crimes in Ukraine to assist in the international efforts to hold Russia accountable. However, Blinken added that it is apparent that Russia is committing abuses in the midst of the war.
“Yesterday, President Biden said that – in his opinion – war crimes have been committed in Ukraine. Personally, I agree,” said Blinken.
