The US is considering imposing sanctions on the Ukraine if violence against peaceful protestors in the capital, Kiev continues, says Obama’s Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes.
Rhodes said: “We have made it clear we would consider taking action against individuals who are responsible for acts of violence within Ukraine.” Rhodes added that the administration is contemplating the use of sanctions.
Speaking in Mexico on Wednesday, US President Barack Obama called on Kiev to respond to protests peacefully.
“We hold the Ukrainian government primarily responsible for making sure that it is dealing with peaceful protestors in an appropriate way, that the Ukrainian people are able to assemble and speak freely about their interests without fear of repression,” he said.
Wednesday saw some of the worst violence between protesters and security services, leaving at least 26 people dead and dozens injured.
“Events like what we saw yesterday are clearly going to impact our decision making,” said Rhodes.
Speaking to the press, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf added, “The events we saw yesterday are, I would say, heightening our focus on this issue.”
“We'll see what happens tonight, quite frankly, on the ground.”
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