Russia looking for 'pretext to invade' Ukraine: Kerry
March 05, 2014  00:15
US Secretary of State John F Kerry has condemned Russia's intervention in Ukraine and said Moscow appears to be seeking a "pretext for being able to invade further."

"I think it's is clear that Russia has been working hard to create a pretext for being able to invade further," said Kerry, who is currently on a trip to Ukraine's capital Kiev. 

"Together, the international community has condemned Russia's violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. We've condemned their intervention in Crimea. And we are calling for a de-escalation of the situation and international monitors that can go into the country right away," he said.

He said said that there is no evidence to support the Russian claims that they had to intervene in Crimea because the Russian speaking population was in danger. 

"Not a single piece of credible evidence supports any one of these claims (by Russia on Ukraine)...None," said Kerry. Coming up strongly against the Russia's action, Kerry said the Russian government wants people to believe that the Ukraine government somehow is illegitimate or led by extremists.
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