The White House abruptly canceled a high-stakes meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump Thursday; citing increased tension between Russia and the Ukraine after seizing multiple Ukrainian warships earlier this week.
“Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin,” tweeted Trump Thursday.
….in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin. I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 29, 2018
The Ukrainian government declared martial law in specific “vulnerable” sections of the country in recent days; saying the decision was a direct response to the threat of a full-fledged “ground invasion” from Russia.
ON THE BRINK: Ukraine Imposes MARTIAL LAW to Combat Russian Threat
The Ukrainian government imposed martial law in vulnerable sections of the country for 30 days Monday; citing a growing threat from Russia and fearing the “extremely serious” threat of a full-fledged ground invasion.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko claimed the step was necessary to protect his nation’s sovereignty from Russian aggression after Moscow seized multiple Ukrainian navy vessels in recent days.
“Russia has been waging a hybrid war against our country for a fifth year. But with an attack on Ukrainian military boats it moved to a new stage of aggression,” Poroshenko said.
“The United States condemns this aggressive Russian action. We call on Russia to return to Ukraine its vessels and detained crew members, and to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement.
Read the full report at Reuters.
DOUBLE STANDARD: Trump Calls Out ‘CRAZED’ MEDIA Over Putin-Call Hysteria
President Trump slammed the mainstream media and liberal legislators Wednesday for their outright dishonesty regarding Trump’s recent conversation with Vladimir Putin; pointing out former President Obama made an identical phone call in 2012.
The President vented his frustration on social media; blasting the press’s breathless coverage of his “congratulatory” message to Putin following his re-election this week, saying “The Fake News Media is crazed because they wanted me to excoriate him.”
“I called President Putin of Russia to congratulate him on his election victory (in past, Obama called him also). The Fake News Media is crazed because they wanted me to excoriate him. They are wrong! Getting along with Russia (and others) is a good thing, not a bad thing,” tweeted Trump.
“They can help solve problems with North Korea, Syria, Ukraine, ISIS, Iran and even the coming Arms Race. Bush tried to get along, but didn’t have the ‘smarts.”’ Obama and Clinton tried, but didn’t have the energy or chemistry (remember RESET). PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH!” he added.
I called President Putin of Russia to congratulate him on his election victory (in past, Obama called him also). The Fake News Media is crazed because they wanted me to excoriate him. They are wrong! Getting along with Russia (and others) is a good thing, not a bad thing…….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 21, 2018
…..They can help solve problems with North Korea, Syria, Ukraine, ISIS, Iran and even the coming Arms Race. Bush tried to get along, but didn’t have the “smarts.” Obama and Clinton tried, but didn’t have the energy or chemistry (remember RESET). PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 21, 2018