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US President Barack Obama has told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin that Russia has
flouted international law by sending troops to Ukraine.
In a 90-minute telephone conversation, Mr Obama urged the Russian leader to pull forces
back to bases in Crimea. Mr Putin responded by saying that Moscow reserves
the right to protect its interests and those of Russian speakers in Ukraine, the Kremlin
said. Meanwhile, Canada has recalled its ambassador
to Moscow for consultations. Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said
he was also suspending Canada's preparations for a G8 summit in the Russian resort of Sochi
in June. Ukraine says it has put its army on full combat
alert after Russia's parliament approved the deployment of Russian troops.
Acting President Olexander Turchynov said he had also stepped up security at key sites,
including nuclear plants. 'Clear violation'
Mr Obama, the White House said, told Mr Putin that the appropriate way to address any concerns
"is peacefully through direct engagement" with the Ukrainian government and international
mediating bodies. "President Obama expressed his deep concern
over Russia's clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity," the
White House said. Mr Obama told Mr Putin his actions were a
"breach of international law, including Russia's obligations under the UN Charter, and of its
1997 military basing agreement with Ukraine", a statement added.
US Secretary of State John Kerry said he had spoken with foreign ministers from Europe
and Canada as well as EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton and the Japanese envoy to
the US "to co-ordinate on next steps". UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has called
for "an immediate restoration of calm and direct dialogue", whilst Nato chief Anders
Fogh Rasmussen tweeted: "Urgent need for de-escalation in Crimea."
The UN Security Council was holding an emergency session on the crisis on Saturday, and Nato
and EU officials are due to hold talks in the coming days.