President Obama signed an executive order to freeze any U.S assets of anyone involved in Russia’s military intervening in Ukrainian matters.
This plan comes on the heels of Crimea’s parliament voting to join Russia, according to USA Today.
According to Reuters , in a statement Obama said, "Any discussion about the future of Ukraine must include the legitimate government of Ukraine. In 2014, we are well beyond the days when borders can be redrawn over the heads of democratic leaders."
Obama hopes that this impending freeze will impose costs on Russia for what it happening.
The Russia-Ukraine tension has been building even since President Putin sent military forces close to the Russian-Ukrainian border for “military exercise” and then Ukrainian President accused Putin of declaring war when a Russian admiral demanded that the Ukraine army surrender and lay down their weapons.
The U.S had been a lingering force on Russia-threating to cut off ties with the country if it continued. The United States has also sent $1 billion to the Ukraine for economic relief.