Putin: If Ukraine is to preserve its territorial integrity it has to respect everyone who lives there. I do believe this is the path they will take. But...
Putin calling separatist fighters "militia representatives"
Most eyes are on Putin's presser in Moscow right now, but RFE/RL's Rikard Jozwiak has been keeping tabs on events in Brussels:
European Union leaders are expected today to adopt an investment ban that targets firms and individuals in the Crimean peninsula and the city of Sevastopol.
The vote in Brussels was scheduled after EU foreign ministers in November decided the EU's non-recognition policy toward Russia's annexation of Crimea needs to be bolstered with tougher sanctions.
The ban would prohibit EU citizens and EU-registered companies from buying real estate on the Crimean peninsula, from setting up joint ventures with Crimean companies, and from buying Crimean firms, their shares, or other securities.
It also would ban the sale, export, or transport of goods using EU-registered vessels and aircraft to Crimean firms in the sectors of transport, telecommunications, energy, or the exploration and production of oil, gas, and mineral resources.
The tourism sector would be targeted with a ban on port calls by EU cruise ships at any ports on the Crimean Peninsula.
Putin: Without a doubt the president of Ukraine wants to achieve a resolution to this crisis, but unfortunately he is not the only person there.
THE MARKETS STILL DON'T LIKE WHAT THEY ARE SEEING...
Here are the ruble rates:
U.S. Dollar: 63.22
Euro: 77.67