Putin on eastern Ukraine. Note that he doesn't deny he has sent troops
In our country, the president is held accountable for everything. As for the troops and their destiny the Commander in Chief is responsible for that [that's me]. All the people who want to fulfill their duty by their own will are not mercenaries -- they are not paid for those actions.
In public opinion, what has taken plast in the East is definitely punitive, but it was organized by [Ukrainian] authorities and noone else.
Let me explain: After the coup-d'etat -- it was definitely that, no matter what you say -- when using law enforcement didn't work out, they [Ukraine] sent the army. When that didn't work they applied other things, including economic blockaids. We are ready to participate as mediators and intermediaries.
Putin: They are trying to chain the bear. And when they try to chain the bair, they take out his fangs and claws.
"If they succeed in this, the bear will just be a stuffed animal."
THE MARKETS STILL DON'T LIKE WHAT THEY ARE SEEING...
Here are the ruble rates:
U.S. Dollar: 63.22
Euro: 77.67
Putin: Without a doubt the president of Ukraine wants to achieve a resolution to this crisis, but unfortunately he is not the only person there.
Most eyes are on Putin's presser in Moscow right now, but RFE/RL's Rikard Jozwiak has been keeping tabs on events in Brussels:
European Union leaders are expected today to adopt an investment ban that targets firms and individuals in the Crimean peninsula and the city of Sevastopol.
The vote in Brussels was scheduled after EU foreign ministers in November decided the EU's non-recognition policy toward Russia's annexation of Crimea needs to be bolstered with tougher sanctions.
The ban would prohibit EU citizens and EU-registered companies from buying real estate on the Crimean peninsula, from setting up joint ventures with Crimean companies, and from buying Crimean firms, their shares, or other securities.
It also would ban the sale, export, or transport of goods using EU-registered vessels and aircraft to Crimean firms in the sectors of transport, telecommunications, energy, or the exploration and production of oil, gas, and mineral resources.
The tourism sector would be targeted with a ban on port calls by EU cruise ships at any ports on the Crimean Peninsula.
Putin calling separatist fighters "militia representatives"