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Rubio Avoids Putin War Criminal Label in Senate Hearing

5/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In a tense Senate hearing, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio sidestepped calling Russian President Vladimir Putin a war criminal, even as he recognized war crimes in Ukraine. Defending President Trump's stance, Rubio insisted there were no concessions to Russia, while Democratic Rep. Bill Keating pressed him on previous remarks about Putin's actions, highlighting the ongoing political divide.

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Story summary

In a tense Senate hearing, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio sidestepped calling Russian President Vladimir Putin a war criminal, even as he recognized war crimes in Ukraine. Defending President Trump's stance, Rubio insisted there were no concessions to Russia, while Democratic Rep. Bill Keating pressed him on previous remarks about Putin's actions, highlighting the ongoing political divide.