U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin (Reuters/Kevin Lamarque)
Obama And Putin Spar Over Ukraine Violence -- Al Jazeera
US president says Russia acts like 'bully' in Ukraine, prompting the Russian leader to accuse America of 'hypocrisy'.
US President Barack Obama has condemned what he called Russia's "dark tactics" and "bullying" in Ukraine, prompting President Vladimir Putin to hit back at American "aggression," as diplomatic wrangling between the two countries escalated.
Obama met Ukraine's president-elect Petro Poroshenko in the Polish capital of Warsaw on Wednesday, and promised years of US support, then blasted Russia and vowed to protect former Soviet states and domains in NATO, in a speech marking Poland's 25 years of democracy.
"How can we allow the dark tactics of the 20th century to define this new century?" Obama asked, adopting the mantle of 'leader of the West' worn by previous presidents during the Cold War.
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More News On Tensions Rising Between Obama And Putin
Obama condemns Russian 'dark tactics' in Ukraine -- BBC
Obama accuses Russia of 'dark tactics' as pressure grows over Ukraine -- The Guardian
Obama urges Putin to make choice over Ukraine -- CNN
Unrepentant on Ukraine, Putin prepares to meet his critics -- Reuters
Putin Says Ready for Talks with Obama -- RIA Novosti
Putin Offers to Meet Obama as East Ukraine Battles Rage -- Bloomberg
Russia’s Putin Says He’s Ready for Dialogue With President Obama -- ABC News
Dinner dates: Hollande dines with Obama, then sups with Putin -- Global Post/AFP
How Close Will Obama and Putin Come To Meeting? -- ABC News
My Comment: Putin's offer to meet Obama is a surprise .... but my gut is telling me that President Obama is going to decline.
Maybe I'm over reacting, but I think Friday is going to be fascinating! It'll be like the old days of "Kremlin Watching" experts and analysis. Obama's got to wonder is it better to go on before or after this guy. I don't care what the news outlets and pundits speculate as to what Obama is going to say, they're all there to hear what Putin's got to say, any attention to Obama will perfunctory.
ReplyDeleteFriday is definitely going to be interesting. Putin is riding high in the polls in Russia .... and he is playing to that audience all the time. Case in point .... Putin's offer to Obama for a talk was done with the Russian public in mind .... they want to see him acting conciliatory .... and he is playing that role extremely well. You are also right that (with the exception of the American media who will be focused on Obama) everyone will be focused on Putin and on what he will be saying.
ReplyDeleteThe anniversary of D-Day is an incredible event .... and in the Russian psyche anything about World War II is always talked about and listened to with great respect and reverence. I know that Putin's speech will be all about the sacrifice of all of those men who led the charge to liberate Europe from the Nazis 70 years ago .... and his remarks will be addressed to everyone .... British, Pole, German, Canadian, Russian, even American. My prediction .... his comments on this D-Day anniversary is what will be remembered years from now .... and deservedly so. As for President Obama's remarks .... I would not be surprised if his comments will be forgotten by the weekend.