Russia’s seizure of three Ukrainian ships has served up a new test for President Trump. The issue is looming over the G-20 summit this…
Russia’s seizure of three Ukrainian ships has served up a new test for President Trump.
The issue is looming over the G-20 summit this weekend in Buenos Aires, where Trump will be under pressure to deliver a firm response to Moscow.
Trump on Thursday canceled a one-on-one meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin because “ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia.”
The incident off the coast of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula further complicates Trump’s effort to repair relations with Moscow at a time of near peak tensions, following Russia’s effort to meddle in the 2016 election.
Ukraine accused Russia on Sunday of ramming one of its boats and opening fire on and capturing three vessels and 24 crewmembers of the coast of Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014 to international condemnation. Russia’s federal security service, the FSB, alleged the boats were operating unlawfully in its territorial waters and Moscow has since jailed the sailors. Ukraine has also accused Moscow of a de facto blockade on two of its major ports in the Azov Sea.
U. S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo both decried Russia’s actions as a violation of international law. Trump himself has remained relatively quiet on the issue, telling the Washington Post in an interview Tuesday that he didn’t like “that aggression” and suggesting he could cancel the Putin meeting before pivoting to a discussion about insufficient spending by NATO partners.
Trump’s decision to cancel the meeting is welcome news to those who argued it would send the wrong message given Moscow’s latest behavior. Still, some are demanding that Trump take further steps.
Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N. J.) has called on the administration to boost security aid to Ukraine, including by sending lethal maritime equipment to Kiev. Some have also suggested the U. S. and other European partners increase their naval presence in the Black Sea to conduct patrols or routine training exercises. Others have suggested additional sanctions could be leveled to further squeeze Moscow.
