Crimea Declares Independence, US and EU Announce Sanctions [VIDEO]
A day after a referendum favors Crimea leave Ukraine to join Russia, the U.S. bars several Russian officials from doing business here.
FOX News Radio’s Jared Halpern reports from the White House:
A senior administration official describes these sanctions as the most comprehensive leveled against Russia since the Cold War, targeted at what the White House calls cronies of the Russian government.
(President Obama) “We are making it clear there are consequences for their actions.”
President Obama announcing asset freezes of seven Russian government officials, including top aides to President Putin.
(President Obama) “And if Russia continues to interfere in Ukraine, we stand ready to impose further sanctions.”
The European Union has announced it will sanction 21 Russians and Ukrainians.
At the White House, Jared Halpern, FOX News Radio.
Now that Crimeans have overwhelmingly voted to leave Ukraine and join Russia, the U.S. has expanded sanctions on Russians. Europe is also taking action.
FOX News Radio’s Simon Owen reports from London:
21 officials from Russia and Ukraine hit with travel bans and asset freezes by the European Union and that list is expandable. The EU calling yesterday’s referendum illegal and pressing Russia to at least talk to Ukraine’s government. Tougher economic sanctions could be discussed later this week.
(German)
Germany’s Foreign Minister saying they’re treading a fine line between sending a clear message to Russia without causing a rift in Europe.
In London, Simon Owen, FOX News Radio.
FOX News Radio’s Jessica Golloher reports some reaction to the sanctions from Sevastopol:
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin is weighing in on the sanctions Washington and Europe have slapped on Moscow in response to Crimea. Rogozin, who is one of the 21 being sanctioned, lashed out at the U.S., saying ‘Comrade Obama, what will you do with those who have no accounts or property abroad, or did you not think about that?’ Crimea’s First Deputy Prime Minister also says the U.S. sanctions will not stop the region here from seceding from Ukraine.
In Sevastopol, Jessica Golloher, FOX News Radio.
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