You're reading: Obama signs Ukraine Freedom Support Act – White House

U.S. President Barack Obama signed the Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014 on Dec. 18, the White House's press service has reported.

At the same time, Obama said that he did not intend to impose sanctions, to which the law gives him the right.

“At this time, the Administration does not intend to impose sanctions under this law, but the Act gives the Administration additional authorities that could be utilized, if circumstances warranted,” he said.

According to the report, the United States “will continue to work closely with allies and partners in Europe and internationally to respond to developments in Ukraine and will continue to review and calibrate our sanctions to respond to Russia’s actions.”

Obama said that the goal of the United States was to promote a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Ukraine. In this context, he called on the Russian leadership to implement the Minsk agreements and to reach a lasting and comprehensive resolution to the conflict that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.