Obama ups pressure on Putin NATO on Friday agreed to establish a “rapid response” force that could be ready to defend Ukraine, President Obama announced at a news conference in Wales. “Russia’s aggression against Ukraine threatens our vision of a Europe that is whole, free and at peace,” Obama said at the conclusion of a NATO summit. In remarks aimed principally at Russia, Obama said actions have consequences and that “deeper and broader” sanctions could be imposed if Russia did not back down in its conflict with Ukraine. Obama said he was “hopeful but skeptical” about a cease-fire that was announced early Friday between Ukraine and Russian-backed separatists. The cease-fire “has to be tested,” the president said. Obama described Russia as increasingly isolated as a result of sanctions and its behavior. Still, NATO prepared to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin, announcing the rapid response force and increasing its presence in eastern Europe. Obama said patrols in the Black Sea would continue. Obama said NATO had reaffirmed that it would respond to an attack against any member. “An armed attack against one shall be considered an attack against all,” said Obama. “This is a binding treaty obligation. It is not negotiable.” He added: “We have left absolutely no doubt: We will defend every ally.” That remark appeared to be a warning to Putin to avoid an attack on any of the Baltic states, which have significant Russian-speaking populations. msnbc/msnbc/obama-ups-pressure-putin
Posted on: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 21:39:21 +0000
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