Obama, EU allies concerned over Russia\\\'s actions in Ukraine

WASHINGTON, Mar 9 (AFP): President Barack Obama and key European allies expressed "grave concern" Saturday over Russia's actions in Ukraine as Washington warned further military escalation could jeopardize chances of brokering a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
The White House said Obama discussed Ukraine in calls with French counterpart Francois Hollande, British Prime Minister David Cameron and Italian leader Matteo Renzi.
"The leaders reiterated their grave concern over Russia's clear violation of international law and reaffirmed their support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," a White House summary of the calls said.
Obama also hosted a conference call with the leaders of Baltic former Soviet states Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to discuss the ongoing situation.
Cameron's Downing Street office said the British premier and Obama agreed there was still a chance for Russia to resolve the situation by engaging with Kiev, returning troops to base in Crimea and backing free elections in Ukraine in May.
"Both the prime minister and the president firmly believe that the proposed referendum in Crimea would be illegal and that any attempt to legitimize it would result in further consequences for Russia," a spokeswoman said.
In a separate development, US Secretary of State John Kerry held a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
A State Department official said Kerry emphasized Washington was working to "facilitate direct dialogue between Ukraine and Russia."
"At the same time, he made clear that continued military escalation and provocation in Crimea or elsewhere in Ukraine, along with steps to annex Crimea to Russia would close any available space for diplomacy," the State Department said.  "(Kerry) urged utmost restraint."