Reuters: Putin defiant on Ukraine crisis despite Trump summit talks threat
MOSCOW/KERCH, Crimea (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday shrugged off a threat from U.S. President Donald Trump to cancel a meeting with him due to Moscow’s seizure of three Ukrainian navy ships, and accused Ukraine’s president of orchestrating the crisis.
Russia seized the Ukrainian vessels and their crews on Sunday near Crimea, the Ukrainian region which Moscow annexed in 2014, over what it said was their illegal entry into Russian waters, which Ukraine denies.
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MIDDLE EAST
UN aid chief to visit Yemen as fears grow of mass starvation.
Yemen conflict would worsen without US support for Riyadh: Pompeo.
Pompeo: Downgrading US ties to Saudi Arabia would be a mistake.
Putin to discuss Khashoggi with Saudi prince at G20: Kremlin aide.
Turkey's President lashes out at US troop presence in Syria.
Kuwaiti ambassador says he is 'optimistic' about Mideast peace plan.
Iran leader calls for boosting of naval forces.
ASIA
War no option for India and Pakistan, says Imran Khan.
China’s Xi defends free markets as key to world’s prosperity.
US airstrike reportedly kills dozens of Afghan civilians.
Afghan president announces team to hold peace talks with Taliban. Afghan president names negotiating team for Taliban peace talks.
Pakistani PM calls for peace with India at new pilgrim border crossing.
Report: Firms and ships under investigation in link to illegal North Korean trade.
Analysis: Ground collapse detected after North Korea's nuclear test last year.
Sri Lanka defence chief held over murders. Sri Lanka's top military official detained over mass murder cover-up.
Duterte plans anti-communist 'death squad' in Philippines.
Sydney storms: Two killed amid flash-flooding chaos.
AFRICA
Five killed in Ivory Coast clashes.
Nigeria tries to rally troops as extremists’ toll revealed.
Resurgence of terrorist attacks in Nigeria ahead of elections.
Nigeria's Buhari says Boko Haram fight 'a must-win war'.
Boko Haram overruns outgunned Nigerian military base.
Two ex-presidents to do battle in Madagascar.
In eastern DR Congo, 19 die of Ebola in five days.
Racism against black people in EU 'widespread and entrenched'.
Ethiopia overtakes Dubai as top feeder of air traffic to Africa.
EUROPE
Ukraine leader warns of threat of full-scale confrontation with Russia.
Russia warns of escalation in Crimea over martial law in Ukraine. Putin says Ukraine is playing a 'dirty game' as Russia deploys missiles to Crimea. ‘Kiev would get away even with eating babies’: Putin says Kerch Strait standoff is a provocation.
Through confusion and panic, Ukraine digests what martial law will mean.
Bomb threats evacuate thousands from at least 10 Russia shopping malls.
Putin, Trump to discuss bilateral ties, disarmament on December 1 — Kremlin.
Exit polls show ruling party candidate winning Georgia presidential runoff.
British government forecasts doomsday no-deal Brexit scenario. Bank of England warns pound to crash 25 percent in no-deal Brexit.
Bosnia's cash-strapped civil society on the brink.
AMERICAS
Trump told Mueller he had no prior knowledge of 2016 Trump Tower meeting: Giuliani.
Pompeo, Mattis defend Saudis as senators weigh war cutoff.
Trump makes wall funding top issue as spending deadline looms.
Clash with migrants spotlights force at the border.
US Senate to vote on U.S. military role in Yemen amid anger over Saudi-led war, Khashoggi murder. Showdown: Senate and Trump clash on Saudis.
Manafort plea decision represents setback for Mueller.
US Fed chairman hints at higher rates following Trump attack.
US sanctions on Nicaragua's Vice-President Rosario Murillo.
Mexicans decry government decision to give top honour to Kushner.
China, vying with U.S. in Latin America, eyes Argentina nuclear deal.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
ISIS suspect 'who plotted to carry out mass poisoning attack in Italy' is arrested in Sardinia.
What is stalling the fight against IS in east Syria?
U.S. military says strikes kills three militants in Somalia.
Indian forces kill top Kashmir militant.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Stocks surge as Powell hints at slower interest rate hikes.
China warns trade war with US could escalate into 'Great Depression & World War'.
Huawei: NZ bars Chinese firm on national security fears.
Indonesia's crashed Lion Air plane was not fit for flying.
