US President Barack Obama says that if Russia continues its intervention in Ukraine, the United States and other countries will be "forced to apply a cost" to Moscow.

US President Barack Obama said that if Russia continues its aggressive stance in Ukraine, the United States and other countries will be "forced to apply a cost" to Moscow.

President Obama made his remarks after meeting with Ukraine's new prime minister, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, at the White House in a display of support for the fledgling government.

"We will continue to say to the Russian government, that if it continues on the path that it is on, that not only us but the international community, the European Union and others will be forced to apply a cost to Russia's violations of international law and its encroachments on Ukraine," Mr Obama said.

For his part, Mr Yatsenyuk said Ukraine will "never surrender" in a fight over its territory.

"It is all about the freedom. We fight for our freedom. We fight for our independence," he said.

The Crimean regional government has scheduled a referendum for March 16 on whether to separate from Ukraine and join the Russian federation.

Obama expressed hope that last-ditch diplomatic efforts might halt the referendum. But he said if the vote does occur, the US will "completely reject" its results.


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