Trump Avoids Putin Showdown Over Ukraine With G-20 Snub
- Tensions have risen since Russia capture of vessels Sunday
- Leaders had planned first one-on-one since July in Helsinki
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President Donald Trump’s cancellation of a meeting with Vladimir Putin lets him show disapproval over Russia’s seizure of Ukrainian ships last week while avoiding the awkward task of delivering a tough message in person.
Trump announced his decision via Twitter less than an hour after departing Washington for Argentina, where he and Putin were to meet on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit this weekend. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters aboard Air Force One that Trump made the decision after being briefed mid-air on the Ukraine incident.