U.S. Stops Trade Talks, Military Engagements with Russia over Ukraine

The United States is stopping all trade and investment talks and military engagements with Russia due to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

The Wall Street Journal reports on the U.S. economic response:

“Due to recent events in Ukraine, we have suspended upcoming bilateral trade and investment engagement with the government of Russia that were part of a move toward deeper commercial and trade ties,” said a spokesman for U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman.

The Associated Press reports that the Pentagon is halting all meetings with the Russian military:

A Pentagon spokesman, Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby, said Monday evening that the U.S. military has “put on hold” all military-to-military engagements, including bilateral meetings, port visits and planning conferences.

According to a U.S. official, Russia is in complete control of Crimea, an autonomous republic of Ukraine. President Obama addressed the situation before his meeting with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He said Russia is on the wrong side of history and that the administration was already discussing economic and diplomatic sanctions, including visa travel bans and freezing assets.

Russia gave the Ukrainian forces in Crimea until 3:00 AM GMT to surrender their arms. Interim President Oleksandr Turchynov said Russia issued a similar ultimatum two days ago. It was set for 5:00 AM March 2nd, and at the end of that time they did not storm any Ukrainian bases.