Russian defense minister says his troops have no intention of entering Ukraine . U.S. and EU officials had already imposed sanctions on more than two dozen Russian and Crimean officials , and urged Russia to avoid escalating the crisis -- a call Moscow has ignored . U.S. sanctions target nine Russian officials , Crimea , Treasury Department says . U.S. announces sanctions against 20 U.S. officials and lawmakers . Moscow 's lower house approves treaty to annex Treasury Department .
Russian defense minister says his troops have no intention of entering Ukraine . U.S. sanctions target nine Russian officials , Crimea , Treasury Department says . U.S. announces sanctions against 20 U.S. officials and lawmakers . Moscow 's lower house approves treaty to annex Treasury Department .