has been responding to events as they unfold in Ukraine. Now 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 allied, 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 communities effort to support the stability and success of a united

Ukraine going forward, which is not only in the interests 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 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 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.