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20:59 GMT
WASHINGTON, Aug 1 (KUNA) -- US President Barack Obama commented on the conflict in Ukraine asserting that path to a solution falls upon Russian President Vladimir Putin's diplomatic effort to deescalate violence.
"We can't control how Mr. Putin thinks. But what we can do is say to Mr. Putin, if you continue on the path of arming separatists with heavy armaments then you're going to face consequences that will hurt your country," said Obama to reporters Friday.
The President added "If he (Putin) respects and honors the right of Ukrainians to determine their own destiny, then it's possible to make sure that Russian interests are addressed that are legitimate and that Ukrainians are able to make their own decisions."
Obama affirmed that in a phone call to Putin this morning he indicated that the US will continue to follow through in terms of sanctions but is also willing to come to a resolution through diplomacy if Putin decides to take "a different position."
In regards to the Ukraine, Obama stressed "I think that we have done everything that we can to support the Ukrainian government and to deter Russia from moving further into Ukraine."
He reiterated "Sometimes people don't always act rationally and they don't always act based on their medium or long-term interests. That can't deter us though. We've just got to stay at it". (pickup previous)
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