Obama, Putin speak by phone amid Ukraine crisis
US President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin. AP FILE PHOTOS
WASHINGTON — The White House says President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by telephone as the U.S. reviews Russia’s military moves in Ukraine.
Details of the conversation were not immediately released. Obama also spoke with French President Francois Hollande.
There also was a high-level meeting at the White House Saturday after Russia’s parliament gave Putin the military go-ahead to protect Russian interests in neighboring Ukraine.
Participants in the meeting included Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, CIA Director John Brennan, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper.
Obama warned Russia on Friday that “there will be costs” for any military actions that Russian undertook in Ukraine.
RELATED STORIES
Russia approves use of military in Ukraine
Lawmakers allow Putin to use military in Ukraine
