Despite telling reporters that he would meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier in the day, President Trump has now announced he will not be meeting with the Russian President while both attend the G20 summit in Argentina.
According to Town Hall:
Just moments after boarding Air Force One on his way to the G20 Summit in Argentina, President Trump cancelled his planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The cancellation comes just days after Russia fire upon and then seized a number of Ukrainian ships and sailors. Russia has not returned them despite demands from the international community to do so.
….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
Moments before departing for his trip, President Trump told reporters at the White House he planned to meet with Putin and said they have a number of things to discuss.
“I probably will be meeting with Pres. Putin” at G20 summit, Pres. Trump says. “I think it’s a very good time to have the meeting.” https://t.co/aH8wj7uqXq pic.twitter.com/pjxxOLmT7A
— ABC News (@ABC) November 29, 2018
Earlier this week UN Ambassador Nikki Haley berated Russia for their behavior.
“This is no way for a law-abiding civilized nation to act. Impeding Ukraine’s lawful transit through the Kerch Strait is a violation under international law. It is an arrogant act that the international community must condemn and will never accept.”
— US Mission to the UN (@USUN) November 26, 2018
“In the name of international peace and security, Russia must immediately cease its unlawful conduct and respect the navigational rights and freedoms of all states.”
— US Mission to the UN (@USUN) November 26, 2018
The media has slammed Trump for being soft on Putin. But this latest move is just another example of the tough approach the Trump has taken against the Russian president.