US, Russia test tense ties as Pompeo visits Putin 0 SHARES Share it! Pompeo will visit Putin in the Black Sea resort of Sochi less than two weeks after President Donald Trump voiced optimism about improving relations with Moscow during a more than one-hour telephone conversation with the Russian leader. Pompeo, despite his close relationship with Trump, left little doubt on where he stood in remarks Saturday in California. The United States has been trying for more than three months to topple President Nicolas Maduro, a leftist firebrand whose re-election was widely criticised for irregularities, and Pompeo has repeatedly blamed Russia for giving him a lifeline. Trump, however, contradicted Pompeo after his phone call with Putin, saying the Russian president assured him that Moscow is not involved in Venezuela.

Source: Manila Bulletin May 14, 2019 02:15 UTC