Russia Asserts It Will Not Meddle in US Presidential Election

The Kremlin stated on Wednesday that Russia will not meddle in the U.S. presidential election, while accusing the United States of involvement in conflicts with Russia in Ukraine.

Additionally, Russia declared on Wednesday that it does not desire to engage in conflict with Germany.

In her late husband’s, Vladimir Putin’s, election, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny affirmed on Wednesday that the widespread public support he received after his passing was a testament to the continuation of his cause. She also called for a large protest against Putin on election day.

In a YouTube video, Yulia Navalnaya expressed hope in the massive gatherings at her husband’s funeral and grave site, stating, “Looking at you, I am convinced that everything is not in vain, and this thought gives me strength.”

“Now you all know that there are actually a lot of us, all those who love and support Alexei, who share his ideas and, as long as we have each other, it’s not over,” she added.

Navalny had urged people to protest against Putin by voting in large numbers at noon local time during the March 17 presidential election, encouraging the formation of large crowds to overwhelm polling stations. Navalnaya echoed her husband’s call to action.

“This is a very simple and safe action, it cannot be prohibited, and it will help millions of people see like-minded people and realize that we are not alone,” she said. “We are surrounded by people who are also against war, against corruption and against lawlessness.”

The outcome of the “Noon Against Putin” action is significant for both the opposition and the Kremlin. If the action fails, it could impact Navalnaya’s aspirations to continue her husband’s legacy and demonstrate the ongoing opposition to the Kremlin.

Russia Rejects ICC Arrest Warrants

Russia dismissed arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for two Russian commanders suspected of war crimes in Ukraine. The Kremlin’s spokesperson clarified on Wednesday that Russia does not acknowledge the warrants due to not being party to the Rome Statute, which established the ICC.

Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, stated, “We are not parties to the statute – we do not recognize this,” when asked about the ICC warrants.

Regarding previous ICC arrest warrants issued for President Vladimir Putin and Russian Children’s Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova, Peskov called them outrageous and part of a biased Western campaign against Russia.

Russia has denied committing war crimes in Ukraine and emphasized that such warrants have minimal real-world impact. Russian officials also referenced the lack of accountability for senior U.S. officials in similar situations in Iraq and Afghanistan.