Russia is solidifying its control in Syria, Obama has ceded our influence in the area. But Putin is desperate?
Via The Hill:
President Obama’s top spokesman took repeated jabs at Russian President Vladimir Putin Thursday, suggesting he is “desperate” to sit down with the president, and even criticizing his posture.
Press Secretary Josh Earnest claimed Putin’s repeated requests for a meeting with Obama are a sign he is hungry to use it as a way to enhance his stature on the world stage.
“I think some might conclude that that means the Russians are … more desperate,” Earnest told reporters.
“They are quite interested in having a conversation with President Obama,” he added. “After some careful consideration on our end, the president did make a decision that it was worth it at this point to engage with President Putin in a face-to-face-meeting to see if the United States’ interests could be advanced.”
The meeting, which is expected to take place Monday in New York, will be the first in-person discussion between Obama and Putin in more than a year. The U.S. has sought to freeze out Russia following its military intervention in Ukraine in 2014.