Russia did not show up in Vienna for a meeting to plan the 2016 nuclear security summit, US and European officials said today.
This action by Russia, as assessed by AP, could deal a serious blow to US President Barack Obama's efforts to cement his legacy, leaving the world safer from nuclear terrorism than when he took office.
Officials say it is currently unclear whether Russia's absence means Moscow intends to boycott the 2016 summit, or whether this is merely a temporary expression of displeasure with Washington's stance on Moscow's role in the conflict in Ukraine and America's orchestration of Western sanctions against Russia.
But even in the short term, Russia's no-show is significant. Only three or four such preparatory gatherings are planned before the spring of 2016, when the summit is due to take place.
Since Russia is a key global player - and one of the five formally recognized nuclear powers - its influence is crucial to organizing the meeting.
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