Ukraine warns of ‘full-scale war’ with Russia
Trump threatens to cancel G20 meeting with Putin over ‘aggressive’ behaviour

Ukraine’s president has voiced his concern about a possible “full-scale war” with Russia, following the seizure of three of Ukraine’s naval ships by Russian forces over the weekend.
President Petro Poroshenko called the clash between Ukrainian and Russian naval forces an “extraordinary event”, adding that his country is “under the threat of a full-scale war with the Russian Federation”.
“Officially, without tearing off chevrons, without ‘green men,’ Russian troops in large numbers attacked the ships of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” Poroshenko said, referring to the armed soldiers who wore green uniforms without insignias during the 2014 annexing of the Crimean peninsula by Russia.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
CNN reports that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has promised Ukraine “full assistance, including military assistance” following the events of the past few days.
The BBC reports that a Crimean court has since order that 12 of the Ukrainian crewmembers seized by Russian forces are to be “detained for 60 days”, while the fate of the other Ukrainians captured is yet to be decided.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump has indicated that he may cancel a meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin, on the sidelines of the G20 summit due to be held in Buenos Aires later this week.
“Maybe I won’t have the meeting [with Mr Putin]. Maybe I won’t even have the meeting. I don’t like that aggression. I don’t want that aggression at all,” Trump told the Washington Post.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Trump also took aim at US allies in Europe, specifically singling out Germany for “not doing enough” when it comes to defence spending.
“Germany,” Trump said. “Absolutely not! Many of those countries are not doing enough toward Nato. They should be spending much more money.”
-
Why are American conservatives clashing with Pope Leo?
Talking Points Comments on immigration and abortion draw backlash
-
9 haunted hotels where things definitely go bump in the night
The Week Recommends Don’t fear these spirited spots. Embrace them.
-
Saudi comedy fest exposes free speech schism in stand-up
IN THE SPOTLIGHT The decision by some of stand-up’s biggest names to attend a festival in a nation infamous for its censorship has the comedy world picking sides and settling old scores
-
US tipped to help Kyiv strike Russian energy sites
Speed Read Trump has approved providing Ukraine with intelligence for missile strikes on Russian energy infrastructure
-
Netanyahu agrees to Trump’s new Gaza peace plan
Speed Read At President Trump's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, they agreed upon a plan to end Israel’s war in Gaza
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of Taiwan
In the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdown
IN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
The dark history of myths about immigrants eating swans and pets
In the Spotlight Nigel Farage has mimicked Donald Trump and peddled tropes and rumours that have long been used to ‘dehumanise’ immigrants
-
What would happen if Israel lost America’s support?
Today’s big question Loss of US backing could be a ‘catastrophe’ for Israel
-
Charlie Kirk, Jimmy Kimmel and free speech
Talking Point TV host’s cancellation and Trump administration’s threats to media have led to accusations of Maga hypocrisy
-
Denmark’s record-setting arms purchase raises eyebrows and anxiety
IN THE SPOTLIGHT By eschewing American-made munitions for their European counterparts, the Danish government is bracing for Russian antagonism and sending a message to the West