Washington: The Russian action to annex the Ukrainian region of Crimea is a threat to global peace, the US said on Tuesday, warning Moscow that there would be consequences to such a move in violation of the international norms.
"We condemn Russia`s moves to formally annex the Crimean region of Ukraine. Such action is a threat to international peace and security and it is against international law," White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said.
"We would not recognise this attempted annexation. As we have said, there are costs with such action," he told reporters at his daily news conference.
Russian President Vladimir Putin today signed a treaty adding Crimea to the map of Russia, in a move that would mark the most significant redrawing of Europe`s borders since World War II.
Carney said: "Along with our partners in Europe and Japan, the United States imposed sanctions yesterday, including an executive order that gives us an expansive tool to sanction Russian government officials, entities operating in the arms sector in Russia and individuals who act on behalf of or provide material support to senior officials of the Russian government. You have seen some designations already and there are more to come."
The Obama administration is currently engaged in de-escalation of tension in the region, he said as he noted that the US is in full support of Ukraine in its hour of crisis.
"We continue to be focused on how we can best support Ukraine. We urge Congress to pass legislation as soon as possible that will enable us to provide Ukraine the resources it needs. We also support the IMF`s ongoing work to negotiate a package with the Ukrainians," Carney said.
"To our NATO allies, our message is clear: We have a solemn commitment to our collective defence and we will uphold this commitment," he said.
US President Barack Obama has invited his counterparts from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the European Union to a meeting of G-7 leaders next week on the margins of the nuclear security summit in the Hague, he said.
The actions that Russia has taken, in clear violation of international law, in clear disregard for Ukraine`s constitution, Ukraine`s territorial integrity and Ukraine`s sovereignty, have not been and will not be recognised by the international community, Carney said.
"Those actions have incurred costs already. They have done damage to Russia`s economy, to its currency and to its standing in the world. Further actions, further provocations will lead to higher costs," he warned.
