WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama says Russia is “on the wrong side of history” by mobilising forces within Ukraine after the country's pro-Russian president was ousted in a popular revolt.
Obama told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday that the United States is considering economic and diplomatic options that will isolate Russia.
The president called on Congress to work on an aid package to Ukraine and make it the “first order of business.”
Obama said continued military actions in Ukraine “will be a costly proposition for Russia.”
“I think the world is largely united in recognising the steps Russia has taken are a violation of Ukranian sovereignty ... a violation of international law,” Obama said.
Ukraine's new westward-leaning government has accused Russia of mounting a de facto invasion by deploying troops on Ukrainian soil in the Crimean peninsula.
But Moscow protests it may be forced to act to protect ethnic Russians in Ukraine amid the chaos following the uprising against fugitive former president Viktor Yanukovych.
Western powers are mulling sanctions to punish Russia for its intervention.