Ukraine "is still in chaos", what happened in the country "is a coup d'état, a seizure of power with weapons". These are the words of Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a press conference held in his residence on the outskirts of Moscow. However, the leader of the former Soviet power, who after Barack Obama's warning had decided to withdraw troops from the border with Ukraine (but not from Crimea, which remains effectively occupied), relaunched saying that "the military option remains open".
"The current Ukrainian president is not legitimate – continued Putin, criticizing Kiev's choices – only Yanukovych was and is legitimate". "For now, there is no need for military intervention in Ukraine, even if Russia reserves the right to use any means to protect the citizens of eastern Ukraine", the pro-Russian one. Putin also specified that Russian troops are in Crimea only for national security reasons. Any sanctions "would have effects of mutual damage" with respect to those who decide them, finally warned the Russian president.
