Russia calls US raid unlawful

Russia’s top diplomat accused the United States on Wednesday of carrying out an unlawful attack against Syrian President Bashar Assad’s forces as he opened a fraught meeting with visiting US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

Giving Tillerson a chilly reception, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Russia was trying to understand the “real intentions” of the Trump administration. He said Moscow has lots of questions about the Trump administration’s “very ambiguous” and “contradictory” ideas.

“We have seen very alarming actions recently with an unlawful attack against Syria,” Lavrov said, referring to the cruise missiles President Donald Trump ordered to punish Assad for using chemical weapons. “We consider it of utmost importance to prevent the risks of replay of similar action in the future.”

It was an ominous opening to Tillerson’s visit — the first in Moscow by a Trump Cabinet official. Tillerson conceded the U.S. and Russia had “sharp differences” that have obstructed cooperation but voiced optimism that their talks could narrow those differences.

“We both have agreed our lines of communication shall always remain open,” Tillerson said.

The tense start to Tillerson’s visit spoke to a widening chasm between the former Cold War foes. As their envoys gathered in Moscow, President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin were voicing protests of their own.

“Frankly, Putin is backing a person that’s truly an evil person,” Trump told the Fox Business Network, referring to Assad. “I think it’s very bad for Russia. I think it’s very bad for mankind.”