Russia: No Peace Talks if Duterte is Not Released

From My Readings This Week. Interesting and Surprising! Philippines link to the War in Ukraine!

News Report: Putin Refuses Peace Talks Over Duterte’s ICC Detention in Ukraine Negotiations

Moscow, March 15, 2025 – In a surprising twist to the ongoing Ukraine peace negotiations, Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that he will refuse to pursue a ceasefire or engage in further talks if former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte remains in custody at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The statement, made early Saturday morning at a press conference in Moscow, has thrown a new wrench into the delicate diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine, now in its fourth year.

Putin’s unexpected condition comes as Duterte, arrested earlier this week by Philippine authorities on an ICC warrant for alleged crimes against humanity tied to his “war on drugs,” arrived at The Hague on March 12. The 79-year-old former leader, known for his hardline policies and controversial rhetoric, faces charges of orchestrating systematic civilian killings during his tenure as mayor of Davao City and later as president of the Philippines. His detention has already sparked global debate, but its sudden linkage to the Ukraine crisis has left diplomats and analysts scrambling to understand the Kremlin’s motives.

“I will not sit at a table to discuss peace while a leader who stood with us is shackled by a court that serves Western interests,” Putin said, his voice firm as he addressed reporters alongside Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. “Duterte’s fate is a signal—if the ICC can take him, they will come for others who defy their order. This is not justice; it is a weapon. Until this changes, there will be no peace in Ukraine.”

The Russian leader’s remarks appear to reference a historical alignment between Moscow and Manila during Duterte’s presidency, which ended in 2022. In 2016, Duterte expressed admiration for Putin and even threatened to follow Russia’s lead in withdrawing from the ICC, calling it “useless” in response to criticism of his drug war. The two leaders met on several occasions, including a notable 2017 visit where Duterte sought modern arms from Russia to combat Islamist militants, signaling a pivot away from the Philippines’ traditional reliance on the United States. Putin now seems to frame Duterte’s ICC detention as a personal affront and a broader attack on anti-Western leaders.

The announcement has stunned negotiators, particularly as it follows a week of cautious optimism. On March 11, U.S. and Ukrainian officials, meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, agreed in principle to a 30-day ceasefire proposal, a plan endorsed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a potential stepping stone to a broader peace deal. U.S. President Donald Trump, who has prioritized ending the war since taking office in January, hailed the talks as “promising” and indicated readiness to speak directly with Putin. However, Putin’s new stance threatens to derail these efforts entirely.

Experts are divided on the rationale behind Putin’s ultimatum. “This could be a strategic move to complicate negotiations and shift focus away from Ukraine,” said Dr. Elena Petrova, a Russian foreign policy analyst at the Moscow Institute of International Relations. “By tying Duterte’s case to the talks, Putin may be signaling that he views the ICC as an extension of Western influence—one he’s unwilling to legitimize through cooperation.” Others suggest a more personal angle, noting Putin’s history of loyalty to allies who resist what he calls “globalist hegemony.”

In Kyiv, Zelenskyy dismissed Putin’s condition as “another manipulative tactic” to prolong the war. “He finds any excuse to avoid peace,” Zelenskyy said in a late-night address on Friday. “First it was NATO, then territory, now it’s a court case halfway across the world. This is not serious—it’s a game to waste time and lives.” Ukrainian officials have long insisted that negotiations hinge on Russia’s complete withdrawal from occupied territories, a demand Putin has repeatedly rejected.

The U.S. response has been measured but firm. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking from Washington, called Putin’s linkage of Duterte to Ukraine “baffling” but reiterated the administration’s commitment to the ceasefire plan. “We’re not here to negotiate ICC cases—we’re here to stop a war,” Rubio said. “The ball remains in Moscow’s court.” Trump, meanwhile, has yet to comment directly on the development, though aides say he is preparing for a possible call with Putin in the coming days.

Duterte’s detention has already polarized opinion globally. In The Hague, supporters and detractors clashed outside the ICC on Friday as the former president appeared via video link for an initial hearing. Human rights groups hailed his arrest as a landmark victory against impunity, while his allies, including daughter Vice President Sara Duterte, decried it as politically motivated “kidnapping.” The Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019, but the court retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed during Duterte’s presidency, a legal nuance that has fueled the controversy.

For now, Putin’s refusal to negotiate unless Duterte is released adds an unprecedented layer of complexity to the Ukraine talks. With Russian forces claiming recent gains in the Kursk region and Ukraine bracing for a difficult spring, the prospect of peace hangs in a fragile balance—one now inexplicably tied to a former Southeast Asian strongman’s fate in a Dutch courtroom.

Meanwhile, here are the real luxuries in Life:

Lastly, here's my Italian Phrase of the Day from Denotation

Teaching Empathy to Your Children and Grand Children

I was reading the news the other day about the childhood life of Trump, showing no empathy to others and his narcissistic disorder personality diagnosis.  It inspired me to read more on this topic and here's what I learned. One of the factors in this article that struck a cord in my heart is the significant role of family dynamics and parenting styles in the development of empathy in children.  I have personal knowledge of friends and relatives who were very emphatic due to the way they were raised as children in the Philippines.  Here's a summary of the article, 

"Lack of empathy in children can stem from a variety of factors, including social and environmental influences, psychological factors, and even excessive screen time, with family dynamics and parenting styles playing a significant role.  Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Social and Environmental Factors:

• Family Dynamics and Parenting Styles:

  A child's environment, particularly their family, can significantly impact their development of empathy.

  • Lack of Empathy Modeling: If parents or caregivers consistently fail to demonstrate empathy or acknowledge the feelings of others, children may learn to do the same.
  • Authoritarian Parenting: Rigid and controlling parenting styles can stifle a child's emotional expression and ability to understand and connect with others.
• Limited Social Interactions:

  Children who lack opportunities for social interaction may struggle to develop the skills needed to understand and respond to the emotions of others.
• Excessive Screen Time:

  Spending excessive amounts of time watching television or playing video games can limit opportunities for real-life social interactions and emotional development. 

Psychological Factors:

• Mental Health Conditions:

  Certain mental health conditions, such as narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) or antisocial personality disorder, can be associated with a lack of empathy. 
• Trauma:

  Past trauma can also negatively impact a child's ability to empathize, as they may struggle to regulate their emotions and connect with others. 
• Executive Functioning Impairments:

  Conditions like ADHD can involve difficulties with executive functions, such as impulse control and emotional regulation, which can affect the ability to recognize and respond appropriately to others' emotions.

  
  

  In another article I read the other day ( March 12-18, 2025 issue of The Epoch Times), it shows data 

  that parents pass down traits that help protect future generations from loneliness.

  
  

   Here's a summary of the article:

  
  

  "Precious family heirlooms and physical traits are not the only things passed down from generation 

  to generation.  A 25-year study published in 2024 followed families across three generations and

   found that empathy is a trait that endures over time and across relationships. The "empathy blueprints"

  we received from our parents are paid forward,  shaping how we connect with our friends and later, 

  how we nurture our children.

  
  

  This quarter-century study published in Child Development, demonstrated that mother's empathy

   toward their 13-year olds predicted the teen's empathy toward their closed friends in adolescence

  - ages 13 to 19.  These teens went on to  become empathic parents, which predicted their own 

  children  empathy.

  
  

  While previous research has linked parents' and children's empathy at specific moments in time,

   this study was the first to show that emphatic parenting creates a ripple effect,  influencing  at least

   three generations down to grand children."  For details read:

  
  

  https://www.naturalchild.org/articles/guest/tamara_parnay.html

  
  

  Meanwhile, my quotes of the Day!

  
  

  HOW TO RESPECT YOURSELF

  1. Stop chasing those who aren’t interested in you.

  2. Avoid begging for attention or validation.

  3. Speak less and let your words carry weight.

  4. Address disrespect promptly and assertively.

  5. Avoid overindulging in others’ generosity if it’s not reciprocated.

  6. Limit visits to those who don’t value your presence.

  7. Prioritize self-investment and your happiness.

  8. Avoid engaging in gossip or unnecessary negativity.

  9. Think carefully before you speak—your words define your value.

  10. Always present yourself well; dress to reflect your worth.

  11. Focus on your goals and stay productive.

  12. Value and protect your time.

  13. Leave any relationship where you’re not respected or valued.

  14. Spend on yourself—it teaches others to respect your worth.

  15. Be unavailable sometimes; it creates value.

  16. Give more than you take.

  17. Don’t go where you’re not invited, and when you are, don’t overstay your welcome.

  18. Treat people as they deserve to be treated.

  19. Except for owed money, two missed calls are enough; let them return the effort if they care.

  20. Strive for excellence in all you do.

  
  

  Lastly, my flower of the Day! ( See the Bee)

  

  THD News: Cydney Carbah ( Activities) last day here at THD will be this next Wednesday. She has found a job with better opportunities for her future ( benefits) etc...We will miss you Cydney. Another lesson I again learned. Do not get bonded or become friends with THD employees since they will disappear either voluntarily or involuntary in a very, very short time.  Rapid Employee turnover here in THD is the facts of Life. I am getting used to it.  Good Luck, Cydney in your new job. I will miss you personally.     
  

  
  

Baker with His Oscar Wins with Anora and the Pinoy Movie- Macho Dancer

I was reading the Entertainment News the other day after the Oscar Win of the Film Anora, written, edited and directed by Sean Baker.  I saw the film Anora here at our Cinema just recently. It reminded of the film Macho Dancer by Lino Brocka that I have seen several decades ago but still remember parts of the movie. Thus, when I read that Baker said that his film making/accomplishments is inspired by Lino Brocka, it struck a cord in my mind why I saw the similarities of the two films( Anora and Macho Dancer)- that is a story on the lives of sex workers. The summary of Macho Dancer is at the bottom of this page. 

 In case you have not heard of Lino Brocka and his film Macho Dancer💚.   

Catalino Ortiz Brocka ( Lino Brocka ) was a Filipino film director. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and significant filmmakers in the history of Philippine cinema. His filmography often addressed the country's societal issues, and despite his initial closeness with the Marcos family, his work eventually grew to have anti-authoritarian themes in opposition to the Marcos dictatorship.

He co-founded the organization Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP), dedicated to helping artists address issues confronting the country, and the Free the Artist Movement. He was a member of the Coalition for the Restoration of Democracy.

Brocka directed over forty films. Macho Dancer (1988) was screened in the Philippines at the time of its release, but it was heavily censored due to its political and sexual content. Brocka secretly smuggled an uncensored 35mm print of the film out of the country to evade government censorship; the print is now in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art💚

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Here's a recent  write up on Sean Baker from my Face Book Page 

Baker as the writer, editor and director of "Anora,"  himself won four Oscars for the film, setting a record for most Oscars won by one person for a single film. Mikey Madison took home the fifth with her best actress win.

" Sean Baker’s Oscar wins with Anora ($6M budget) are a testament to independent film - and for tenacity and grit. Over the last 10 years he made two other films before Anora, The Florida Project ($2M) and Red Rocket ($1.1M) – and he made another four features before Tangerine, starting back in 2000 with Four Letter Words ($50K). That’s 25 years of films, averaging about one film every 3 years. He paid his dues for a quarter of a century. He stayed true to his artistic vision, producing all 8 feature films independently. He committed to his dream. He put in the work. And last night he didn’t just win an Oscar – he became the first person in history to win 4 Oscars for the same film (plus a 5th Oscar to his star Mikey Madison for Best Actress)!

And here are two reviews of the Film Anora💜

1."Here’s another whirlwind of a motion picture from director Sean Baker (Tangerine, The Florida Project), who continues to find ways to build engaging features that examine underrepresented and marginalized subcultures in America. Anora works wonderfully as a screwball romantic comedy and a very human drama detailing the separation of classes and how their odd mixing can play out under extreme circumstances. Aided by a fierce lead performance from Mikey Madison, for a film clocking in at just under two hours and twenty minutes, there’s a lot to enjoy thanks to how this movie sets its sights on establishing familiar setups and completely flipping the table, to end up with something edgier, grander, and effectively emotional.

Madison stars as Ani, a Russian-American exotic dancer from Brooklyn, New York. While she doesn’t like to reference her Russian heritage all that much, her understanding of the language leads to her boss fixing her up with Russian clients. She’s then introduced to Vanya (Mark Eydelshteyn), the son of a wealthy Russian oligarch. Based on all their lustful activities, the two decide they’re in love, and within a couple of weeks, they fly to Las Vegas and elope. Once this news makes its way back to Vanya’s parents, everything suddenly spirals out of control, leading to a very eventful 24-hour period full of shouting, arguments, fights, scavenger hunts, and other chaotic activities".

2. I watched Anora last night. It wasn’t really on my radar until it won best picture and then my son told me he loved it. He said him and his friends all loved it, that it was a really good movie. So I gave it a try and he wasn’t wrong

It was excellent and you shouldn’t sleep on this! Mikey Madison totally deserved that Oscar!

 For Details read:

💜https://www.vulture.com/article/review-its-no-wonder-cannes-fell-for-anora.html

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💚Macho Dancer is a 1988 Philippine film, directed by Lino Brocka. It explores the realities of a young, poor, rural gay man, who after being dumped by his American boyfriend, is forced to support himself and his family in Manila's seamy red-light district. The film's frank depiction of male homosexuality, prostitution, drag queens and crooked cops, the porn industry, sexual slavery, and drugs and violence caused Filipino government censors to order extensive edits of the film. Brocka smuggled an uncensored cut out of the Philippines to be shown to a limited number of international film festivals. The film received a standing ovation at the 1988 Toronto International Film Festival. Macho Dancer was a box office failure in the Philippines due to its heavy censorship, but achieved international festival and critical success.

Meanwhile, another banned Pinoy Movie....

The 1976 film Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon? was nearly banned due to its bold historical themes that questioned the official narrative of Philippine history. Despite the controversy, it became a cinematic classic, praised for its thought-provoking depiction of Filipino identity during the Spanish colonial era.

Censorship Scare – Authorities initially saw the film’s themes as too provocative, fearing it would spark critical discussions on nationalism and colonial rule.

Timeless Classic – Despite the hurdles, it won multiple awards and is now considered one of the greatest Filipino films of all time.

Cultural Impact – The film’s message about Filipino identity and independence still resonates with audiences today.

Lastly, introducing THD New Driver, Rhyann Droszcz, Welcome to THD. May your employment here at THD be a happy one.

Carenna's KT Travel Notes and Photos of Morocco

 : Carenna is my youngest granddaughter studying in Paris, France, George Washington University Study Abroad Scholarship Program

"This week was spring break for me so my best friend (who is studying in Barcelona) and I took the opportunity to go to Morocco for the week. We started in Marrakesh, then went on a desert tour that took us to Merzouga to see dunes in the Sahara Desert! 

It was truly an unforgettable experience. We rode camels through the dunes to our camp for the night. There were millions of stars and we got to see some planets and identify the constellations. The next morning we woke up early to ride our camels through the dunes and watch the sunrise. 

Afterwards, we headed to Fes and took a day trip to Chefchaouen. Chefchaouen is known as "The Blue City" where the buildings are painted with gorgeous shades of blues. Visiting this city has been a dream of mine, and I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to go! Studying abroad has allowed me to travel to so many cool places, but Morocco was definitely the coolest!"

Meanwhile Did you know that?

Lechon (roast pig) is one of the oldest recorded Filipino dishes, but its name is Spanish! Antonio Pigafetta, the chronicler of Magellan’s expedition, described early Filipinos roasting whole pigs in 1521—proving that the cooking method existed long before colonization.

The word "lechon" was later introduced by the Spaniards, but the tradition of slow-roasting a pig over an open fire? 100% pre-colonial Pinoy!

Lastly, here's what Carenna's say about Paris and her Host Family:

I’m really liking it here in Paris! Very expensive tho! Trying to save money by not traveling often and going to cheaper countries. Morocco was great because they were a colony of France so I got to use my French. Trying to speak it as much as I can. My host family is very international so they speak English with me. But they are very rich so I have my own studio in their house! They also have a maid/cook, Mary-Grace, who is Filipino and makes amazing food. I want to make lumpia or pancit with her some time to thank my host family!