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Russia's president says he hopes he doesn't need to use force in Ukraine
Speaking to journalists in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that it was not yet necessary to send troops into Ukraine but that he will do so if it's necessary to protect Russian citizens. He said the use of force would be a "Last resort." He also said that ousted Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych is still that nation's legitimate leader even though he has been stripped of his power. Ref. USAToday
U.S. Announces $1B in energy aid to Ukraine
The White House announced an aid package of $1 billion in energy subsidies to Ukraine amid worries that Moscow would extend its military reach into the mainland of the former Soviet republic. Meanwhile, Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Kiev for talks. Ref. USAToday
Crimea sets date for referendum on whether to join Russia
The parliament in Crimea voted in favor of holding a March 16 referendum on whether Crimea should become part of Russia or remain part of Ukraine, but with enhanced local powers. "This is our response to the disorder and lawlessness in Kiev," Sergei Shuvainikov, a member of the local Crimean legislature, said. "We will decide our future ourselves." There was no immediate response from the Ukrainian central government to the vote. Ref. BBC