Tillerson Asks Why U.S. Taxpayers Should Care About Ukraine

  • Offhand remark an unexpected moment as foreign ministers meet
  • Top diplomat still finding footing in protocol-rich meetings

U.S.-Russia Tensions High Ahead of Tillerson Visit

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With one offhand remark, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson left European diplomats befuddled at a gathering in Italy.

“Why should U.S. taxpayers be interested in Ukraine?” Tillerson asked foreign ministers discussing Russia’s intervention there at a Group of Seven gathering Tuesday in Lucca, Italy.