U.S. State Department warns countries against non - essential aid to Ukraine . ` ` There will be consequences for any military intervention in Ukraine , '' President Barack Obama says . ` ` We are strong enough to defend ourselves , '' Ukrainian government says . One bill also stipulates that the accession of a part of a foreign state to Russia should be taken through a referendum , according to Russian state news agency RIA Novosti . Russian President Vladimir Putin to EU leaders : Ukraine must avoid an escalation of violence .
U.S. State Department warns countries against non - essential aid to Ukraine . ` ` There will be consequences for any military intervention in Ukraine , '' President Barack Obama says . ` ` We are strong enough to defend ourselves , '' Ukrainian government says . Russian President Vladimir Putin to EU leaders : Ukraine must avoid an escalation of violence .