Russia breaks silence on huge Trump snub after Putin left empty handed
The Kremlin confirmed that US President Donald Trump did not send a birthday message to Vladimir Putin, despite reports of a planned phone call. Meanwhile, Ukraine accused Russia of marking Putin's birthday with a deadly missile strike on a residential building in Pryluky.
Why it matters
The juxtaposition of diplomatic silence and ongoing military conflict highlights the extreme tension in US-Russia-Ukraine relations.
33 Vladimir Putin's birthday was on October 7 (Image: Getty) Donald Trump did not send a telegram to Vladimir Putin to wish him a happy birthday, the Kremlin spokesman said. Dmitry Peskov said the US President had not marked the Russian leader's birthday despite suggestions it may happen during a planned phone call. Mr Trump said on Wednesday that a phone call had been arranged, although he did not mention when it would happen, and mentioned Putin's birthday . He told reporters: "I have a call set up.
"Today is his birthday. Today is Vladimir Putin's birthday. I'm sure you're gonna celebrate it." Joking, he continued, telling a journalist: "Are you gonna celebrate his birthday? No, I have a call set up."
Also covering this story
16 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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