Putin Arrives at G20 Summit to Chilly Reception from Leaders, Poses with Koala
Published at
Photo by Andrew Taylor/G20 Australia via Getty Images(BRISBANE, Australia) — President Obama called out Russian agression in Ukraine on Saturday at the G20 summit in Australia.
Calling the ongoing tension in eastern Ukraine “a threat to the world,” Obama cited the shooting down of Malaysian Airlines flight 17 out of the sky over Ukraine in July. “As your ally and friend, America shares your grief of these Australian families and we share the determination of your nation for justice and accountability.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly gotten a cold welcome at the summit, where world leaders are less than thrilled with Russia’s actions, specifically in eastern Ukraine. Between MH17, the continued presence of Russian troops along the Ukrainian border and the annexation of the Crimean peninsula, Russia has continued to exert force on the neighboring country.
Putin and the other leaders did put aside the international politics briefly on Saturday, as photos showed the Russian president, as well as President Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott smiling and holding cuddly koalas on the first day of the two-day meeting.
Follow @ABCNewsRadio
Copyright 2014 ABC News Radio