Russia must pull back troops
Friday, 28 March 2014
US President Barack Obama has urged Russia to stop "intimidating" Ukraine and reduce the number of troops it has on its border. He also called on Russia to "de-escalate the situation" and begin negotiations with Kiev. Russia is believed to have massed a force of several thousand troops close to the eastern frontier of Ukraine. Mr Obama told CBS News it may "be an effort to intimidate Ukraine, or it may be that [Russia has] additional plans." In a separate development, ousted President Viktor Yanukovych has called for a national referendum to determine each region's "status within Ukraine". He fled to Russia last month after massive demonstrations against him and clashes between protesters and police in which more than 100 people died. The Kremlin says the new government in Kiev came to power illegally, according to BBC.