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The President: Good afternoon, everybody.
Over the last several days, the United States
has been responding to events
as they unfold in Ukraine.
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 allies, 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
community's effort to support the stability and
success of a united Ukraine going forward,
which is not only in the interest
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 of 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 Prime Minister
-- 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.