The United States, as well as other Western countries, imposed sanctions on Russia over the annexation and over claims that Russia is supporting an insurgency in eastern Ukraine with troops and arms.
Moscow has denied that it is building up its presence there in order to protect its longtime ally, Syrian President Bashar Assad, but said instead that it wants to help him fight the Islamic State group.
The White House said Monday’s meeting was arranged at Putin’s request and that despite deep differences with Moscow, Obama felt it would be irresponsible not to assess whether progress could be made on the …read more
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
