WATCH: The crisis in Ukraine continues with Russian Parliament approving military action. Paul Johnson reports.
WASHINGTON – The White House says President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by telephone as the U.S. reviews Russia’s military moves in Ukraine.
Details of the conversation were released on the official website of the Russian government:
“The two presidents discussed in detail various aspects of the extraordinary situation in Ukraine.
In reply to Mr Obama’s concern over the possibility of the use of Russian armed forces on the territory of Ukraine, Vladimir Putin drew his attention to the provocative and criminal actions on the part of ultranationalists who are in fact being supported by the current authorities in Kiev.
The Russian President spoke of a real threat to the lives and health of Russian citizens and the many compatriots who are currently on Ukrainian territory. Vladimir Putin stressed that in case of any further spread of violence to Eastern Ukraine and Crimea, Russia retains the right to protect its interests and the Russian-speaking population of those areas.”
There also was a high-level meeting at the White House Saturday after Russia’s parliament gave Putin the military go-ahead to protect Russian interests in neighbouring Ukraine.
Participants in the meeting included Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel, CIA Director John Brennan, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper.
Obama warned Russia on Friday that “there will be costs” for any military actions that Russian undertook in Ukraine.
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