White House Reiterates Warning to Russia on Ukraine
The White House on Thursday reinforced U.S. warnings to Russia that it must avoid "miscalculations" in military drills along the border of troubled Ukraine.
The comments, which built upon statements by U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, appeared to reflect Washington's concern that Russian maneuvers near the ex-Soviet state could trigger events which may get out of control.
"We are closely watching Russia's military exercises along the Ukraine border," said White House spokesman Jay Carney.
"We expect Russia to be transparent about these activities and to avoid provocative actions," Carney said, adding that Moscow should not take steps that could be misinterpreted or lead to "miscalculations during a very delicate time."
Russia ordered military exercises earlier this week, as political tensions in the region soared following the ouster of the Russian-backed president of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych.
Hagel had earlier said at NATO meetings in Brussels that Russia needed to be transparent about its activities and used language later echoed by Carney.
The White House on Thursday also welcomed the decision by Ukraine's parliament to name a new government under Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk.
It also dismissed Yanukovych's defiant claim to Russian news agencies from an undisclosed location that he was still president.
"Wherever he is, he has clearly left Kiev, left his office and abdicated his responsibilities," Carney said.
"The parliament has on the other hand taken responsible action to deal with that void and to deal with the many pressing issues that Ukraine faces."
Source: Agence France Presse
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