Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said Saturday that President Barack Obama needs to clearly outline the consequences Russia would face if the country’s military intervened in Ukraine.
After Russian parliament approved President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to send troops to Ukraine, McCain said: “It is now essential for the president to articulate exactly what those costs will be and to take steps urgently to impose them.”
McCain said the U.S. should not ignore Putin’s capabilities in Ukraine, “not just in Crimea but in the country of Ukraine.”
"Every moment that the United States and our allies fail to respond sends the signal to President Putin that he can be even more ambitious and aggressive in his military intervention in Ukraine,” McCain said.
The U.N. Security Council is set to meet at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday to discuss Russia’s decision.