You're reading: US President Barack Obama’s March 6 remarks on Ukraine (VIDEO, TRANSCRIPT)

 Editor's Note: The following is U.S. President Barack Obama's remarks on Ukraine in the White House on March 6 as well as a link to his executive order imposing sanctions on individuals found to be involved in stealing Ukrainian assets and contributing to the Russian invasion of the Crimean peninsula.

“I want to provide a brief update on our efforts to address the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. 

“Since the Russian intervention, we have been mobilizing the international community to condemn this violation of international law and to support the people and government and Ukraine.

“This morning, I signed an executive order that authorizes sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity on Ukraine or for stealing the assets of the Ukrainian people.

“According to my guidance, the State Department has also put in place restrictions on the travel of certain individuals and officials. These decisions continue our efforts to impose a cost on Russia and those responsible for the situation in Crimea.

“And they also give us the flexibility to adjust our response going forward, based on Russia’s actions. We took these steps in close coordination with our European allies. I’ve spoken to several of our closest friends around the world and I’m pleased that our international unity is on display at this important moment. 

“Already, we’ve moved together to announce substantial assistance for the government in Kyiv and today in Brussels, our allies took similar steps to impose costs on Russia. I am confident that we are moving forward together, united in our determination to oppose actions that violate international law and to support the government and people of Ukraine, and that includes standing up for the principle of state sovereignty.

“The proposed referendum on the future of Crimea would violate the Ukrainian Constitution and would violate international law. Any discussion about the future of Ukraine must include the legitimate government of Ukraine.

“In 2014, we are well beyond the days when borders can be redrawn over the heads of democratic leaders. While we take these steps, I want to be clear that there’s also a way to resolve this crisis that respects the interests of the Russian Federation as well as the Ukrainian people.

“Let international monitors into all of Ukraine, including Crimea, to to ensure the rights of all Ukrainians are being respected, including ethnic Russians. Begin consultations between the government of Russia and Ukraine, with the participation of the international community.

“Russia would maintain its basing rights in Crimea, provided that it abides by its agreements and that it respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territory integrity. And the world should support the people in Ukraine as they move to elections in May.

“That’s the path of de-escalation and Secretary (of State John) Kerry is engaged in discussions with all of the relevant parties, including Russia and Ukraine, to pursue that path. But if this violation of international law continues, the resolve of the United States and our allies and the international community will remain firm.

“Meanwhile, we have taken steps to reaffirm our commitment to the security and democracy of our allies in Eastern Europe and to support the people of Ukraine.

“One last point, there’s been a lot of talk in Congress about these issues. Today, once again, I am calling on Congress once again to follow up on these words with action, specifically to support the IMF’s capacity to lend resources to Ukraine and to provide American assistance for the Ukrainian government so that they can weather this storm and stabilize their economy, make needed reforms, deliver for their people, all of which will provide a smoother pathway for the elections that have already been scheduled in May. 

“Today the world can see that the United States is united with our allies and partners in upholding international law and that pursuing a just outcome that advances global security and the future that the Ukrainian people deserve. That’s what we’re going to continue to do in the days to come until we have seen a resolution to this crisis.”

Executive Order — Blocking Property of Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Ukraine