Russian president Vladimir Putin says he has "differences" with the United States in the approach and assessment of the crisis.
Putin issued a statement, after talking to US President Barack Obama on the phone for about an hour on Thursday evening. Friday’s statement by the Kremlin said Kiev’s new authorities took power "in an anti-constitutional coup", imposing "illegitimate decisions" on Ukraine's eastern, southeastern and Crimea regions.
Putin says Russia cannot ignore calls for help in the matter, and that Russia will act accordingly, in full compliance with international law.
