US President Barack Obama has warned Russia that any military intervention in Ukraine would lead to unspecified “costs.”
The US is consulting with its EU partners on potential costs.
Obama made an unexpected appearance in the White House briefing room to try to head off Russia after reports that armed men had taken over two airports in the Crimea region of southern Ukraine.
“We are now deeply concerned by reports of military movements taken by the Russian Federation inside of Ukraine,” he told reporters.
Obama said any violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would be “deeply destabilising.”
“The United States will stand with the international community in affirming that there will be costs for any military intervention in Ukraine,” he said.
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier remained cautious about the situation in Ukraine.
“The latest signs still leave me worried, so we are keeping working to ensure a peaceful transition,” he said. “And this transition has to be achieved, first of all, by the Ukrainians themselves,” continued Steinmeier.
Euronews correspondent Stefan Grobe said: “Americans and Europeans are seeing the unfolding events in Ukraine with grave concern, especially the situation in Crimea. But the overall message is: There is no reason to panic – at least for now.”
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