Obama says still weighing decision on arming Ukraine forces
Updated: 2015-02-10 08:51
(Agencies)
|
|||||||||||
US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel hold a joint news conference following their meeting at the White House in Washington February 9, 2015. [Photo/Agencies] |
WASHINGTON/DONETSK, Ukraine - US President Barack Obama signaled on Monday he will wait for the results of high-stakes talks on Ukraine before deciding whether to arm the Kiev government, saying diplomacy and sanctions remain his preferred tools to resolve the crisis.
Obama, at a White House news conference with visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel, said providing weapons to Ukraine was among the options he and his advisors were considering.
But he made clear he had reservations about upping the ante in Ukraine and endangering US-European unity in the contest of wills with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Merkel opposes sending weapons to Kiev to help it fight pro-Russia separatists.
"It is true that if, in fact, diplomacy fails, what I've asked my team to do is to look at all options," Obama said. "But I have not made a decision about that yet."
In the face of a new offensive by separatists in eastern Ukraine, some of Obama's top advisors, as well as hawkish US lawmakers, are pressing him to do more to help the Ukrainian government defend itself.
But that question has been overshadowed, at least temporarily, by a revived diplomatic push led by Merkel and French President Francois Hollande. The two are due to meet with Putin and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in Belarus on Wednesday.
Related Stories
EU should beware Washington's trap on Ukraine 2015-02-09 13:41
Summit on Ukraine crisis to be held on Wednesday 2015-02-08 20:22
Russia expresses optimism about solution to Ukraine issue 2015-02-07 21:32
Merkel, Hollande take Ukraine peace plan to Putin 2015-02-07 08:02
China welcomes efforts to resolve Ukraine crisis 2015-02-06 18:57
Poroshenko meets Hollande, Merkel over Ukraine crisis 2015-02-06 09:17
Today's Top News
Greece eyes bridge agreement next week, final deal on debt in Sept
Gunmen fire on Marseille police as PM Valls visits city
Obama says still weighing decision on arming Ukraine forces
Trade numbers take big hit in January
Greek premier proclaims end to austerity in policy statement
Increasing renminbi activities in London, experts say
Europe poised to fight terrorism, solutions remain elusive
Greek left gov't rejects austerity, extension of bailout programme
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Listed firms caught in anti-corruption net |
Conca set to return to China |
CES: Spotlight on Chinese gadgets |
Yearender: What happened around the globe in 2014 |
National Memorial Day for Nanjing Massacre victims |
Corrupt female officials spark debate |