President Obama warns Putin 'there will be costs' for military intervention in the Ukraine as he confirms that Russian troops in CrimeaPresident Obama has issued a harsh warning to Russia against intervening in the political turmoil in the Ukraine.
He confirmed that the United States is 'deeply concerned' about the presence of Russian military forces in Crimea, solidifying earlier reports that Russian troops had been spotted in the area.
'There will be costs for any military intervention in the Ukraine,' Mr Obama said in an unscheduled press statement Friday afternoon.
The Ukrainian government accused the Russians on Friday of attempting to over take Crimea amid the country's ongoing political turmoil following fatal protests and the disappearance of their president.
Russia has been carefully watched throughout as there are fears that they will try to take over the country amid the turbulence.
Mr Obama stressed that the United States has told Russia that they can play a role in the situation but should only have the same type of involvement as all other international players.
'They can be part of an international community's effort...However we are now deeply concerned about reports of military movements taken by Russian forces,' Obama said.
'We have been very clear about one fundamental principle: the Ukrainian people deserve the right to determine their own destiny.'
'Any violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity would be deeply destabilizing.
'It would invite the condemnation of world.'
Mr Obama said that he spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin two days ago and Vice President Joe Biden had called Ukraine's acting President Oleksandr Turchynov today to express America's solidarity with them, saying that the United States 'supports his government's efforts'.
'Right now the situation remains very fluid... I commend the Ukrainian government's restraint,' Mr Obama said.
Throughout the day Friday, men described as Russian troops deployed at airports and a coast guard base, giving ominous signs of the Kremlin's iron hand in Ukraine's confrontation.
The sudden arrival of men in military uniform patrolling key strategic facilities prompted the Ukraine to accuse Russia of making 'a military invasion and occupation'.
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