Barack Obama says Russia sanctions are pushing Russia - U.S. relations into a stalemate . President Vladimir Putin says Russia failed to take steps to end Ukraine conflict . Also on the list : Four Russian government officials , including the minister of Crimean affairs , along with the self-styled Luhansk People 's Republic and Donetsk People 's Republic leading the separatist campaign in eastern Ukraine , and Aleksandr Borodai , the self-declared `` prime minister '' of the Donetsk group . New sanctions target Crimean banks , energy , defense firms , as well as U.S. separatists . The Pentagon says Russia has increased troops at Ukraine 's border .
Barack Obama says Russia sanctions are pushing Russia - U.S. relations into a stalemate . President Vladimir Putin says Russia failed to take steps to end Ukraine conflict . New sanctions target Crimean banks , energy , defense firms , as well as U.S. separatists . The Pentagon says Russia has increased troops at Ukraine 's border .