President Obama Holds Press Conference On Russian Military Movments In Ukraine
President Barack Obama held a very brief press conference about Russian military movements in the Ukraine. The president read a short statement without an expression of emotion and left the podium without answering any questions posed by shouting reporters.
Obama said that the “Ukriane has the right to determine their own future,” during the Ukraine press conference. He also noted that he has been in communication with President Vladimir Putin several days ago and that the administration has remained in touch with Russian officials and diplomats.
President Barack Obama also had this to say about the military movements by Russia inside the Ukraine:
“We made it clear that they [Russia] can be a part of an international effort in the Ukraine to help restore stability. However, we are now deeply concerned by military movements.”
Vice President Joe Biden has been communicating with the new Ukraine prime minister, according to the president. Biden reportedly assured the Ukraine official that the United States supports their efforts, territorial integrity, and their hopes for a democratic future. President Obama also stated that the situation in the Ukraine “remains fluid.” The president appeared to chastise the military actions by Russia when noting the activity began just days after the Olympics concluded.
Questions posed by reporters as President Obama left the press conference involved the possibility of either taxpayer dollars being sent to the Ukraine or Americans boots being placed on the ground. Just days ago Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel proposed cutting the US Military to pre-WWII levels, reducing living allowances, commissary benefits, and increasing insurance premiums.
As previously reported by The Inquisitr, armed men seized the regional government headquarters and parliament in Crimea and raised the Russian flag. Kiev’s new rulers are reportedly alarmed about the turn of event and is advising Moscow not to “abuse its navy base rights” by moving troops around on the ground. Olexander Turchinov has been the acting president in the Ukraine since Viktor Yanukovich was removed from office amid the massive protests last week.
Turchinov had this to say about the Russian flag being raised above the government building in the Ukraine:
“I am appealing to the military leadership of the Russian Black Sea fleet. Any military movements, the more so if they are with weapons, beyond the boundaries of this territory [the base] will be seen by us as military aggression.”
Russia’s acting envoy in Kiev was also summoned for “immediate consultations” by the Foreign Ministry in Ukraine. Moscow has reportedly been putting out mixed signals in response to the nation’s flag being raised over the regional government headquarters and parliament in Crimea. Russian fighter jets have reportedly been placed on combat alert and are situated along the western borders of the Ukraine.
