Obama Axes Putin Meeting

Over asylum granted to Edward Snowden, among other gripes
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Aug 7, 2013 8:24 AM CDT
Obama Axes Putin Meeting
In this June 17, 2013 file photo, President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin get up to leave after their meeting in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

President Obama is canceling plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow next month. The move is retribution for Russia's decision to grant temporary asylum to National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden and reflects growing US frustration with Russia on several other issues, including missile defense and human rights.

The White House says Obama still plans to attend the G20 economic summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, but has no plans to meet with Putin there one-on-one. The US intends to alert Russia of the president's decision today, though Obama and Putin are not expected to speak directly. (Obama did talk about Snowden to someone last night, though ... Jay Leno.)

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