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.
Subscribe to 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.
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.”
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - November 3, 2024
Cartoons Sunday's cartoons - presidential pitching, wavering convictions, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Why Man United finally lost patience with ten Hag
Talking Point After another loss United sacked ten Hag in hopes of success in the Champion's League
By The Week UK Published
-
Who are the markets backing in the US election?
Talking Point Speculators are piling in on the Trump trade. A Harris victory would come as a surprise
By The Week UK Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published