The Latest: Putin warns US not to use force against N Korea
(World News Russia)

MOSCOW (AP) -- The Latest on the Russian president's annual news conference (all times local): 2:15 p.m. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned the U.S. not to use force against North Korea, adding that the consequences will be "catastrophic." Speaking Thursday at his annual news conference, Putin said Moscow was encouraged to hear U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's statement about readiness for talks with Pyongyang, hailing it as a "realistic" approach. He emphasized that Russia opposes Pyongyang's nuclear bid and is ready for "constructive" cooperation to end the standoff. He added, however, that the U.S. "provoked" Pyongyang...