Russian President Vladimir Putin called President Barack Obama on Friday to discuss the situation in Ukraine, the White House announced. Obama talked about having the two countries' top diplomats continue to engage in talks and urged Putin to "Avoid further provocations, including the buildup of forces on its border with Ukraine." Ref. CNN
Secretary of State John Kerry said today that Russian forces and special agents are behind what he called the "Chaos" In eastern Ukraine in the past 24 hours. Kerry described the developments as "More than deeply disturbing" And said they amounted to what could be a "Contrived pretext for military intervention just as we saw in Crimea."
Pro-Russian protesters seized government buildings in the cities of Donetsk, Luhansk and Kharkiv on Sunday. Rebels occupying Donetsk's regional government building Monday declared a "People's republic" And called for a referendum on secession from Ukraine to be held by May 11.
The U.S. Navy warship USS Donald Cook is scheduled to enter the Black Sea no later than Thursday as part of the latest U.S. Military effort to demonstrate support for Eastern European allies concerned about Russia's troop buildup, two U.S. Military officials said. Ref. CNN
Now that Russia has Crimea they are looking to get their hands on the whole Ukraine. Maybe they think it is theirs with all the money they are owing Russia. We are seeing the red block come back.
International Level: Specialist / Political Participation: 44 4.4%
Pentagon: Russian fighter jet repeatedly flew over US destroyer in Black Sea:
"This provocative and unprofessional Russian action is inconsistent with their national protocols and previous agreements on the professional interaction between our militaries," Said Colonel Steve Warren, a Pentagon spokesman. Ref. Source 1
Obama warns of "Consequences" For Russian actions destabilizing Ukraine:
President Obama put Russian President Vladimir Putin on notice Wednesday evening, warning that further actions to destabilize the interim Ukrainian government will result in consequences from both the United States and Europe. Ref. Source 4