Obama to Make Announcement on Ukraine at 4:45 EST (Video & Transcript)

Transcript for those that cannot view the video:

For Immediate Release February 28, 2014

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT ON UKRAINE

James S. Brady Press Briefing Room

5:05 P.M. EST

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 violence 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.

END 5:09 P.M. EST

Live feed here: www.whitehouse.gov...

The White House says Obama will speak in the briefing room of the White House at 4:45 p.m. EST.

Obama's statement comes as his administration is expressing growing concern over Russian intentions in Ukraine. Secretary of State John Kerry delivered a blunt warning Friday to Moscow against military moves in the country's southern Crimea region that could further inflame tensions.

Ukraine's acting President Oleksandr Turchynov has urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop "provocations" in Crimea and pull back military forces from the peninsula.

Turchynov stepped in as president after Viktor Yanukovych fled Kiev last weekend.

Source

President Barack Obama is expected to make a statement about the situation in Ukraine on Friday.

Read more from Journal Sentinel: www.jsonline.com...
Follow us: @JournalSentinel on Twitter

reply to post by freakjive


thanks for the heads up, Im gojng there now! S&F.

reply to post by freakjive


Late as usual..... Thanks for the link. Saw this tweet on BBC thought it was funny.

Difference between Obama & Putin: Obama issues warnings and then doesn't act. Putin doesn't talk, he just acts. #Ukraine #Crimea

wu

Let me guess....Blah Blah Blah

Putin will do what he wants.

The United States will not do a damn thing.

reply to post by freakjive


Waiting and watching for live feed to start here in Australia. Meen time White House releases video of Girly Man and Biden running around the White house and drinking water to a sound track. What ? Spare us please!

freakjive
Live feed here: www.whitehouse.gov...

The White House says Obama will speak in the briefing room of the White House at 4:45 p.m. EST.

Obama's statement comes as his administration is expressing growing concern over Russian intentions in Ukraine. Secretary of State John Kerry delivered a blunt warning Friday to Moscow against military moves in the country's southern Crimea region that could further inflame tensions.

Ukraine's acting President Oleksandr Turchynov has urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop "provocations" in Crimea and pull back military forces from the peninsula.

Turchynov stepped in as president after Viktor Yanukovych fled Kiev last weekend.

Source

President Barack Obama is expected to make a statement about the situation in Ukraine on Friday.

Read more from Journal Sentinel: www.jsonline.com...
Follow us: @JournalSentinel on Twitter

More to come...

edit on 2/28/2014 by freakjive because: (no reason given)

edit on 2/28/2014 by freakjive because: (no reason given)

Typical Obama, whenever he's due to deliver an unplanned statement he is always late, keeps the world waiting.

Dunno why given the gutless wonder will have nothing concrete to say.

__________________________________________________________________________________






Don't cross it...

Derp? Really... Wth did he just say? Ty for the Olympics... lets keep it fluid?

Although, being him being so short it doesn't sound to good, next up round up the generals?

LOL

What did he say again?

"Costs for military interventions" ?

Can the man EVER take a question. What the hell was that! I got my eye on you Rooty-Poot!

You should see the twitter feed, its going nuts over the lack of stance from Obama quite hilarious.

Why even hold a press conference?

No worrys, hes just anouncing that he's moving the red line and he supper dupper means it this time.

Oh come on Obi, you and your friends planned this from the begining. We know what you were upto in France last week. Libyia all over again. Mccain didn't just hand out lollies to the Ukraine protesters now did he?

reply to post by freakjive


My Presidents foreign policy...

reply to post by freakjive


First off... WOW..
Second... Did anyone else notice him hesitate when he said every one has rights?

And third.... So if Russian troops cross the border into Ukraine it will Start world war 3. To me that sounded like a declaration of war.

Here we go folks this is what we have been talking about.

snypwsd
reply to post by freakjive

 

First off... WOW..
Second... Did anyone else notice him hesitate when he said every one has rights?

And third.... So if Russian troops cross the border into Ukraine it will Start world war 3. To me that sounded like a declaration of war.

Here we go folks this is what we have been talking about.

If Russian invades and the world doesn't respond you can't really call it the start of a World War, don't forget World War one didn't even start with an invasion, killing one was more then plenty.

SLAYER69
reply to post by freakjive

 

My Presidents foreign policy...

You just insulted all train wreaks, how dare you (fist shacking in air)

snypwsd
And third.... So if Russian troops cross the border into Ukraine it will Start world war 3. To me that sounded like a declaration of war.

I don't think "there will be costs" was meant to sound as definite as that.
More a case of "we know we must say something, but we don't know what to say".
Nobody in the west is stupid enough to launch serious weaponry over this issue and start a real war, so it's all a bluff, and the Russians know it.

Crimea is lost...end off
Lets hope sanity engages before troops start pouring into
mainland Ukraine.

Whats next a move by China on Taiwan or the Japanese Islands.

****