“Throughout this crisis, we have been very clear about one fundamental principle: the Ukrainian people deserve the right to pursue their own future,” Obama began.
Obama said he spoke several days ago with Russian President Vladimir Putin recently, and that his administration has communicated to Russia that they can be a part of Ukraine’s future.
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“However, we are now deeply concerned by reports of military movements taken by the Russian Federation inside of the Ukraine,” Obama added. “Any violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would be deeply destabilizing, which is not in the interests of Ukraine, Russia, or Europe.”
“There will be costs for any intervention in
Obama added that such actions by Russia would be a violation of international law and of treaties to which Russia is signatory.
“Right now, the situation remains very fluid,” Obama added, revealing that Vice President Joe Biden spoke directly with Ukraine’s interim prime minister. He concluded by commending Ukraine’s “restraint” during this crisis.
Watch the address below via Fox News Channel:
[Photo via screen grab ]
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