Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Russia on August 5 for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin focusing on a grain deal brokered by Turkey and the U.N., prospects for talks on ending hostilities in Ukraine , the situation in Syria and growing economic ties between Moscow and Ankara. Speaking at the start of the meeting at Mr. Putin’s Black Sea residence in Sochi, Mr. Erdogan said their negotiations would help “put forward the role that Turkey and Russia play in the region.” He cast the talks as pivotal, saying they were being watched closely by the rest of the world. “Today, of, course, the world’s eye is on Sochi,” Mr. Erdogan said. “They are following it, wondering what is being discussed and done in Sochi.” Last month, Turkey and the United Nations helped broker agreements between Russia and Ukraine to clear the way for Ukraine to export 22 million tons of agricultural products stuck in its Black Sea ports since Moscow sent troops into the country more … [Read more...] about Ukraine, Syria expected to top Erdogan-Putin talks in Russia
Vladimir putin
Hungary’s autocratic PM Orban addressing US conservatives
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 11 DALLAS (AP) — Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is expected to receive a big welcome in the U.S. on Thursday from conservative admirers barely a week after the backlash at home and in Europe over anti-migrant remarks that one of his closest associates compared to Nazi rhetoric. Orban's headline slot at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Dallas, one of the nation's largest gatherings of conservative activists, has raised concerns about Republicans embracing an autocrat who has been criticized for undermining democratic institutions and consolidating power in his own country. Other speakers include former President Donald Trump, Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Republican candidates fresh off GOP primary election victories Tuesday. Orban's invitation to CPAC reflects conservatives' growing … [Read more...] about Hungary’s autocratic PM Orban addressing US conservatives
Ukrainian unit digs in for Russian assault on eastern city
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 26 SLOVIANSK, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian military personnel are fortifying their positions around the eastern city of Sloviansk in expectation of a fresh Russian attempt to seize the strategic point in the fiercely fought-over Donetsk region. As heavy ground fighting continues on the front line only miles to the east, southeast and north of Sloviansk, members of the Dnipro-1 Regiment are digging in after a week of relative calm. The last Russian strike on the city occurred on July 30. While the lull provided Sloviansk's remaining residents a reprieve after regular shellings between April and July, some unit members say it could be a prelude to renewed attacks. “I think it won’t be calm for long. Eventually, there will be an assault,” Col. Yurii … [Read more...] about Ukrainian unit digs in for Russian assault on eastern city