President Obama warned Russia against intervening in Ukraine's conflict, saying he was "concerned" about reports of military movement in the country's Crimea region.
"The Ukrainian people deserve the opportunity to determine their own future," Obama said in a very short press briefing Friday afternoon. "We encourage Ukrainians to stabilize their country."
Obama said he has been in touch with Russian President Vladimir Putin and has made clear that there will be costs for military intervention.
Ukraine's fugitive president, Viktor Yanukovych, on Friday reiterated that he would still fight for "the future of Ukraine" and blamed the recent political crisis in his country on the irresponsibility of the West.
"I am president of Ukraine, elected by the people of Ukraine [...] and I remain the legitimate president of Ukraine," Yanukovych said in an hour-long a press conference held in Russia, where he is currently under the government's protective wing after fleeing Kiev.
Meanwhile, tension in Ukraine's Crimea region, which widely supports Yanukovych, are on the rise as Russian troops reportedly took control of the two main airports on Friday. Ukraine has since asked the UN Security Council to intervene.
When asked about Crimea during Friday's press conference, Yanukovych blamed EuroMaidan, saying "everything that is happening is a natural response to the regime change that took place in Kiev." He maintained that he wouldn't request military assistance from Russia and hasn't yet met with President Vladimir Putin—but he has spoken with him over the phone.