What can the US do to support Ukraine’s new government?

I think all of us have seen the courage of the Ukrainian people in standing up on behalf of democracy and on the desire that I believe is universal for people to determine their own destiny. And we saw in the Maidan how ordinary people from all parts of the country had said we want change. And the PM was part of that process, showed tremendous courage and upheld the principles of nonviolence throughout the course of events over the last several months.

— President Obama

The most pressing challenge that Ukraine faces at the moment, however, is the threat to territorial integrity and sovereignty. We have been very clear that we consider the Russian incursion into Crimea outside of its bases to be a violation of international law, of international agreements of which Russia is a signatory; and a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. And we have been very firm in saying we will stand with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in ensuring that the territorial integrity and sovereignty is maintained. 

— President Obama

The current government in Kiev has recognized and has communicated directly to the Russian Federation their desire to try to manage through this process diplomatically. But what the Prime Minister has rightly insisted on is that they cannot have a country outside of Ukraine dictate to them how they should arrange their affairs. And that there is a constitutional process in place and a set of elections that they can move forward on, that in fact could lead to different arrangements over time with the Crimea region. But that is not something that can be done with the barrel of a gun pointed at you.

— President Obama

We will continue to say to the Russian government that if it continues on the path that it is on, then not only us, but the international community, the European Union and others will be forced to apply a cost to Russia’s violations of international law and its encroachment on Ukraine. There is another path available, and we hope that President Putin is willing to seize that path.

— President Obama

Mr. President, it’s all about the freedom. We fight for our freedom, our independence, we fight for our sovereignty, and we will never surrender. My country has faced a number of challenges; the military one is a key challenge today. We urge Russia to stick to its international obligations, to pull back its military into barracks and to start the dialogue. With no guns, no military, no tanks, but the diplomacy and political tools. On behalf of my government, I would like to reiterate that we are absolutely ready and open for talks with the Russian Federation.

— Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Ukrainian interim prime minister

Probably in the nearest future, next week or in 10 days, Ukraine is to sign a political part association agreement with the European Union, and we want to be very clear that Ukraine is and will be a part of the Western world. And our Russian partners are to realize that we are ready to craft a new type of relationship where Ukraine is a part of the European Union, but Ukraine is a good friend and partner of Russia.

— Prime Minister Yatsenyuk