(Reuters) — U.S. President Barack Obama warned Ukraine on Wednesday (February 19) that there would be consequences if the violence in Kiev continues, saying the United States holds theUkrainian government responsible for dealing peacefully with protesters.
Speaking to reporters ahead of a meeting with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, Obama said the Ukrainian military should not step into a situation that could be resolved by civilians.
“We hold the Ukrainian government primarily responsible for making sure that it is dealing with peaceful protesters in an appropriate way, that the Ukrainian people are able to assemble and speak freely about their interests without fear of repression,” Obama said.
At least 26 people, including 10 policemen, were killed in Kiev Tuesday (February 18) after riot police entered Independence Square and battled government protesters who have occupied the square since November.
The crisis erupted after Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich spurned a broad trade deal with the European Union and accepted a $15 billion Russian bailout.
The United States has said the Ukrainian government must pull back riot police fromIndependence Square in Kiev, call a truce and hold discussions with the opposition.
Obama, who is in Mexico for a summit with Canadian and Mexican leaders, condemned the Ukrainian violence and said the United States is working with European nations as well as theUkrainian government and the opposition.
“We’ve also said we expect peaceful protesters to remain peaceful and we’ll be monitoring very closely the situation, recognizing that with our European partners and the international community there will be consequences if people step over the line,” he said.
“And that includes making sure the Ukrainian military does not step into what should be a set of issues that can be resolved by civilians,” he said.
Earlier Wednesday, White House Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes told reporters theUnited States would consider the use of sanctions against those responsible for the violence inUkraine.
He said the United States will be talking to European nations about the situation in Ukraine ahead of a EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels on Thursday (February 20).
U.S. officials have previously said they were reluctant to impose sanctions, preferring to seek a diplomatic solution.
Rhodes said the United States would like to see Russia support efforts to reduce tensions inUkraine.