US News

Putin insists Russia’s actions in Crimea are fully legal

WASHINGTON — Russian President Vladimir Putin is dissing President Obama’s insistence that he pull back his military from Crimea, saying Russian-speakers in Ukraine need Russia’s protection.

“Russia cannot ignore calls for help and it acts accordingly, in full compliance with international law,” Putin said in a statement Friday after having an hour-long phone call with Obama Thursday.

The Russian strongman bashed “absolutely illegitimate decisions” in Crimea.

The Russian military has begun air defense drills involving up to 3,500 troops east of the Crimean border — raising further fears Russia could expand its invasion to other parts of eastern Ukraine, though Putin has said he has no intention of annexing Crimea and doesn’t want a confrontation with Ukraine.

The Pentagon confirmed the drills had begun to Fox News Friday.

In Moscow’s Red Square, a crowd of 65,000 waved Russian flags and chanted, “Crimea is Russia!”

Russia pushed back against new sanctions and visa actions targeting Russian officials connected to the Ukraine invasion, doubling its tariffs on American caviar.

The tariff on the delicacy goes from $7 to $14 per kilogram. Caviar-loving Russians consumed 2,500 tons of the stuff from the US last year. Most of it came from Alaska. The White House announced the new sanctions, against unnamed individuals, on Thursday.

The Russian navy sank a second decommissioned ship in order to bolster the blockade that is preventing Ukrainian navy ships from leaving port and entering the Black Sea.

A Ukrainian border official said the number of Russian troops in Crimea, which is part of Ukraine but was historically part of Russia, has swelled to 30,000, including about 11,000 who are normally positioned with Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.

In a Thursday phone call with Putin, Obama urged him to return troops to their bases and allow international observers to monitor the situation in Crimea — as a way to handle Russia’s stated concerns that Russian-speakers there were under threat.

He told Putin Russia’s actions “are in violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” according to the White House, and urged Russia to engage in direct talks with Ukraine.

Putin’s own comments indicate he didn’t take the message to heart.

A White House statement Friday morning on Obama’s phone call with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe mentioned the “G-7” in reference to the group of industrialized nations — rather than “G-8,” which includes Russia. A White House spokesman said it was “simply an indication of how united those seven countries are” against the invasion.

It’s not the first time Obama has been rebuffed by the Russian leader. He warned last Friday there would be “costs” if Russia invaded, and Russian-speaking forces seized control of Crimea only hours later.

Obama isn’t showing signs that he’s rattled. He danced Thursday night at an event honoring Aretha Franklin and other women of soul.

On Friday, he jetted to Miami for an economic event, then stays on at Key Largo with first lady Michelle Obama. Local media report that the first couple will stay at the Ocean Reef Club, which is set on 2,500 lush acres in the tranquil Florida Keys.

“The president is looking forward to spending some time with his wife and daughters, who are traveling down to Florida as well,” said White House spokesman Josh Earnest. “There are some recreational amenities on the property, including workout facilities, tennis courts, a couple of golf courses.”

Vice President Joe Biden headed to the sunny Virgin Islands, an annual vacation spot, for some R&R.