Philippines' Duterte Criticizes Putin Over Ukraine Killings
Story
Image credit: Malacanang Presidential Photographers Division [via AP]
The Facts
- On Mon., Philippine Pres. Duterte urged Russian Pres. Putin to take action to prevent the killing of innocent civilians in Ukraine.
- He described the conflict as a war against a "sovereign nation" and blamed the invasion for the spike in global oil prices. However, he also emphasized that he wasn't condemning the Russian leader.
- This move is exceptional among leaders with close ties with Putin, who have so far avoided expressing their opinions and remained neutral in the conflict.
Sources Split
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The Spin
Narrative A
Regardless of his effort to detach himself from the Russian leader, Duterte is no different from Putin, a man who he idolizes and calls a friend. His anti-drug policy has led to the deaths of thousands and the ICC is rightly investigating him for crimes against humanity.
Narrative B
Duterte is rightly concerned about the suffering of innocent people and his statements reflect his intention to advise a long-time friend and ally to retake control of delinquent forces for the sake of civilian lives.
Metaculus Prediction
There's a 53% chance that Vladimir Putin will be charged with war crimes by the International Criminal Court in connection to the Russian invasion of Ukraine by 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
