US, EU slug it out with Russia over Ukraine

MUNICH, Feb 1 (AFP):- The United States and EU traded unusually sharp barbs with Russia Saturday over Ukraine's future amid concerns of possible military intervention to end anti-government protests.

Neither side pulled any punches, with US Secretary of State John Kerry saying what happens in Ukraine is crucial for Europe's future while his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov blasted wilful and two-faced Western interference.

"Nowhere is the fight for a democratic, European future more important today than in Ukraine," Kerry told political, diplomatic and military leaders at the Munich Security Conference.

"The United States and EU stand with the people of Ukraine in that fight," said Kerry who was due later Saturday to meet Ukrainian opposition leaders including former world boxing champion Vitali Klitschko in Munich.

Kerry, speaking with US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel alongside, said the "vast majority of Ukrainians want to live freely in a safe, prosperous country".

"They are fighting for the right to associate with partners who will help them realise their aspirations-and they have decided that means their futures do not have to lie with one country alone, and certainly not coerced."