U.S. official : The United States has been clear in our message to the Assad regime that we are determined and prepared to impose costs on them if they cross a red line. Ukraine official : Ukraine , Russian ministers talk , but no signs of breakthrough . The tense , high-stakes standoff between Ukraine and Russia continued Tuesday , with both sides insisting they do n't want war but publicly offering little evidence of their willingness to budge . Putin denies sending troops into Crimea , says `` local militias '' are involved . U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says Russia made up reasons to intervene .
U.S. official : The United States has been clear in our message to the Assad regime that we are determined and prepared to impose costs on them if they cross a red line. Ukraine official : Ukraine , Russian ministers talk , but no signs of breakthrough . Putin denies sending troops into Crimea , says `` local militias '' are involved . U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says Russia made up reasons to intervene .