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Articles by Sebastian Smith for AFP

rare interview

Putin Tells West: Russia Cannot Be Defeated in Ukraine

In a two-hour interview with Tucker Carlson, Putin also said a deal "can be reached" on imprisoned Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich.
3 Min read
tightening the screws

'Unified' G7 Hits Russia With New Sanctions

The U.S. and its G7 allies targeted Moscow's lucrative diamond trade and more entities linked to the invasion of Ukraine.
3 Min read
standing with Ukraine

Biden to Send Putin Message in Ukraine War Anniversary Speech

President Joe Biden will be "messaging" Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin when he speaks in Warsaw next week, while hailing NATO's unprecedented effort...
3 Min read
battle for bakhmut

Biden Rejects F-16s for Ukraine as Russia Claims Advances

President Joe Biden said Monday the United States would not provide F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, as Kyiv expands the list of weaponry it needs to be better...
Upping the pressure

More Weapons, Sanctions: U.S. Lays Out Next Phase of Response Against Russia

The United States is upping pressure on multiple fronts against President Vladimir Putin, officials said Monday.
juggling priorities

Xi Speaks Out Against 'Conflict' in Call With Biden on Russia

In their first call since November, Biden hoped to persuade Xi to at least give up any idea of bailing out Russia.
eastern pivot

U.S. Expresses 'Deep Concerns' on Russia-China 'Alignment'

Moscow and Beijing have drawn closer in what Washington sees as an increasingly hostile alliance of the authoritarian nuclear powers.
Close to home

New U.S. Sanctions Target Russia's Pro-Putin Oligarchs

The focus on oligarchs makes the financial offensive far more personal.
CATASTROPHIC

Biden Says 'World Will Hold Russia Accountable' Over Ukraine Attack

The U.S. President will hold an emergency call with Western allies later Thursday.
mounting crisis

Biden, Putin Discuss Ukraine as Kremlin Slams 'Provocations'

U.S. President Joe Biden to speak to Vladimir Putin on Saturday after the United States warned a Russian invasion could begin in days.
'massive consequences'

U.S. Ups Sanctions Pressure on Moscow Over Ukraine

The United States warned Moscow of damaging sanctions, including high-tech export curbs, as Russian troops massing around Ukraine launched new exercises...
'in the mood for conversation'

Biden, Putin Emphasize Diplomacy Ahead of Call Over Ukraine Crisis

President Joe Biden will offer his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin a diplomatic path forward on the Ukraine crisis in a telephone call Thursday.
break the ice

U.S., Russia to Hold Security, Ukraine Talks Early January in Geneva

Moscow has presented the West with sweeping security demands amid fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.
appeal to ally

Ukraine's Zelenskiy Seeks Biden's Support on NATO

The hard reality facing Zelenskiy is that his most ambitious goals for the U.S.-Ukrainian relationship face slow going.
Biden vs. Putin

Biden Tells Putin to 'Act' Against Ransomware Groups

The White House said Biden and Putin spoke for about an hour by phone, focusing on the ransomware threat and separately about allowing humanitarian aid...
strained ties

U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Moscow, Expels 10 Russian Diplomats

The sanctions are retaliation for what Washington says is the Kremlin's U.S. election interference, a massive cyber attack and other hostile activity.