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.