Section: Latin America
Russia Casts Shadow over European Union Summit
BRUSSELS — Russia had no seat at the European Union’s table Thursday but it cast a shadow over the summit as a target for criticism of its role in the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s influence over the wars that have dragged on for years deeply frustrated a Europe limited to diplomacy, money or...
White House suggests Putin was involved in US hacking
The Obama administration suggested Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin personally authorized the hacking of Democratic officials’ email accounts in the run-up to the presidential election. The Obama administration said it was “fact” that hacking had helped Donald Trump’s campaign. The White House also assailed...
Netherlands Find Compromise to Enact Ukraine Deal
BRUSSELS — European Union leaders reached a compromise with the Netherlands Thursday that should allow the bloc to enact an agreement on closer ties with Ukraine, regarded as a landmark deal to counter Russian influence. Dutch Prime Minister Rutte said Thursday he now has the necessary guarantees to push the deal through the Dutch Parliament as...
E.U. Officials: E.U. to Extend Russia Sanctions for 6 Months
The European Union will extend its sanctions against Russia for six more months to keep pressure on Moscow to respect the fragile peace agreement in Ukraine, EU officials said Thursday. Two officials said EU nations backed the deal at a summit of EU leaders and the formal decision will be adopted over the next few days. They spoke on condition of...
US Troops to Arrive in Europe in January to Reassure Allies
WARSAW, Poland — The United States is deploying troops to Poland, the Baltic states and Romania next month as part of raising the security of the region, Polish and U.S. defense officials said Wednesday. Polish Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz made the announcement following talks with the commander of U.S. land troops in Europe, Lt. Gen. Ben...
Trump’s State Pick Comes From ‘Exxon System’
WASHINGTON — As Republicans in Washington bashed President Barack Obama’s efforts to secure an Iran nuclear deal last year, Exxon Mobil was watching. The oil giant’s European competitors were preparing to enter Iran’s oil business — something the company legally could not do with American sanctions still in place stemming from...
Putin: Disruptions of EU Gas Supplies via Ukraine Possible
MOSCOW — The Kremlin says President Vladimir Putin has warned German Chancellor Angela Merkel of a threat to the gas supplies Russia sends to Europe via Ukraine. Putin told Merkel in a telephone call Tuesday that Ukraine has been reluctant to sign a contract on Russian gas supplies for the coming winter and that it “threatens transit to...
Putin: Disruptions of EU Gas Supplies via Ukraine Possible
MOSCOW — The Kremlin says President Vladimir Putin has warned German Chancellor Angela Merkel of a threat to the gas supplies Russia sends to Europe via Ukraine. Putin told Merkel in a telephone call Tuesday that Ukraine has been reluctant to sign a contract on Russian gas supplies for the coming winter and that it “threatens transit to...
New Congress poised to greet Trump with Russia probes
Congress’ Republican leaders are preparing to greet incoming President Donald Trump with investigations into whether Russia intruded into last month’s elections to help him win the White House. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell declined to say Monday whether he agreed with the CIA assertion that Russian hacking and public release...
Russia Ready to Boost Serbian Defense to Counter NATO
BELGRADE, Serbia — Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Monday the Kremlin is ready to boost Serbia’s defense capabilities amid what his Serbian counterpart alleges is a threat from neighboring Croatia. The statements came amid rising tensions between the two major Balkan rivals and former Yugoslav republics that were at war in the...
