Washington (CNN) -- Sanctions. International monitors. Increased jet fighters in the region. Trying to figure out how the United States and its European allies will respond to Russia's Crimea incursion gets confusing. The tense showdown over Ukrainian sovereignty offers few easy answers, with differing priorities between Washington and the European Union adding to the confusion. Here is a look at where Western allies stand: Military United States -- It is hard to imagine a scenario that would cause U.S. troops to get involved in Ukraine. At the same time, the Obama administration can't rule out any option as it pushes for direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine aimed at de-escalating the current crisis and laying the groundwork for peaceful coexistence going forward.
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Where do Washington and the European Union stand on the Ukraine crisis?
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No one wants an armed conflict, especially in the EU's backyard
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Europe's economic ties with Russia make it less likely to back strong sanctions
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NEW: The U.S. House authorizes loan guarantees for Ukraine
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@placeholder -- Closer proximity to Russia and crucial economic ties make the issue of sanctions more difficult for European countries.
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In addition, @placeholder is the single biggest supplier of energy to the European Union.
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"Europe is too dependent on @placeholder energy to countenance full-blown trade restrictions."
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Such support offers a trifecta of being unilateral, enjoying political support at home and backing the goal of bolstering @placeholder.
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European aid is the easiest way to show immediate support for @placeholder while avoiding risks of counter-sanctions and other retaliation.
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The foundation of the U.S. stance is for @placeholder to maintain its independence and territorial integrity, while also recognizing Russia's historical and economic ties to Ukraine.
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The foundation of the U.S. stance is for Ukraine to maintain its independence and territorial integrity, while also recognizing Russia's historical and economic ties to @placeholder.