(17 Mar 2014) In the most comprehensive sanctions against Russia since the end of the Cold War, President Barack Obama on Monday froze the US assets of seven Russian officials, including top advisers to President Vladimir Putin, for their support of Crimea's vote to secede from Ukraine.
At a news conference in Washington, he said the US is guided by a fundamental principle, that "the future of Ukraine must be decided by the people of Ukraine".
"That means Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected and international law must be upheld," Obama added.
The US announcement came shortly after the European Union announced travel bans and asset freezes on 21 people they have linked to the unrest in Crimea.
The sanctions were expected after residents in Crimea voted overwhelmingly on Sunday in favour of the split.
Crimea's parliament on Monday declared the region an independent state.
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