President Obama: Good afternoon everybody. Over the last several days the United States
has been responding to events as they unfold in Ukraine. Now throughout this crisis we
have been very clear about one fundamental principle: the Ukrainian people deserve the
opportunity to determine their own future. Together with our European allied, we have
urged an end to the violence and encouraged Ukrainians to pursue a course in which they
stabilize their country, forge a broad-based government, and move to elections this spring.
I also spoke several days ago with President Putin - and my administration has been in
daily communication with Russian officials - and we've made clear that they can be part
of an international communities effort to support the stability and success of a united
Ukraine going forward, which is not only in the interests of the people of Ukraine and
the international community, but also in Russia's interest. However, we are now deeply concerned
by reports of military movements taken by the Russian Federation inside Ukraine. Russia
has a historic relationship with Ukraine, including cultural and economic ties and a
military facility in Crimea. But any violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity
would be deeply destabilizing, which is not in the interest of Ukraine, Russia, or Europe.
It would represent a profound interference in matters that must be determined by the
Ukrainian people. It would be a clear violation of Russia's commitment to respect the independence
and sovereignty and borders of Ukraine, and of international laws. And just days after
the world came to Russia for the olympic games it would invite the condemnation of nations
around the world. And, indeed, the United States will stand with the international community
in affirming that there will be costs for any military intervention in Ukraine. The
events of the past several months remind us of how difficult democracy can be in a country
with deep divisions. But the Ukrainian people have also reminded us that human beings have
a universal right to determine their own future. Right now the situation remains very fluid.
Vice President Biden just spoke with the Prime Minister of Ukraine to assure him that in
this difficult moment the United States supports his government's efforts and stands for the
sovereignty, territorial integrity and democratic future of Ukraine. I also commend the Ukrainian
government's restraint. And its commitment to uphold its international obligations. We
will continue to coordinate closely with our European allies. We will continue to communicate
directly with the Russian government. And we will continue to keep all of you in the
press corps and the American people informed as events develop. Thanks very much.