The White House called on Russia to withdraw a convoy that entered Ukrainian territory without permission from Kiev and warned of additional sanctions and possible United Nations Security Council action.
“We very much condemn the flagrant violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty that we saw today with the movement of this Russian convoy,” deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes said Friday.
{mosads}Rhodes blasted the decision to move the convoy into the Ukraine as “part of a pattern of flagrant violation of Ukrainian sovereignty.” He said the administration was “deeply concerned” by the provocation.
“Russia should take the opportunity to remove this convoy from inside of Ukraine’s borders,” Rhodes said.
The White House spokesman said the administration planned to consult partners on the Security Council “today” and that Russia would “face additional costs and consequences” if it does not immediately withdraw.
Earlier Friday, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the U.S. was speaking with officials of the International Red Cross, who had been supervising Russian aid to eastern Ukraine.
“Russia should not send vehicles, persons or cargo of any kind into Ukraine, whether under the guise of humanitarian convoys or any other pretext, without Kiev’s express permission,” Kirby said.
Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu had previously assured the U.S. that Russia would not undertake a military intervention using the guise of humanitarian relief.
The United States and the European Union have already imposed sanctions against the Russian defense, technology and financial sectors in response to its annexation of Crimea and support for separatists operating in eastern Ukraine. Russia has responded with agricultural penalties against the West.