Are already there taking control. Today president putin watched his troops in russia practicing and as he bears down, the world is waiting to see how president obama will live up to his work. Three days ago, he spoke with costs for any military intervention by russia. Secretary of state john kerry is heading to the capital of kiev tonight and the u. S. Just announced they wont send a delegation to the paralympics in sochi that start on friday. The critics say the u. S. Response has not been fast or furious enough. Senator john mccain for instance spoke to cnn last hour. With ukraine, it is the crown jewel. Lets go back to peace. What kind of a message are we sending and slashing the military some. We are covering this international kroo isz from all angles the retired general. Phil black is in moscow. Help us clear up the confusion here. The question we want to know with forces, did russia issue an ultimatum and set this deadline on ukrainians if they dont swear allegiance or surrender there in kri me a. You have Russian Media quoting Ukrainian Defense saying this happened, but you have the Russian Defense ministry saying this didnt happen. Can you clear this up for us . We have conflicting reports and Russian Media reporting this deadline was set at 5 00 local time tomorrow to surrender or face a storm of Russian Military force in response. We have spoken to defense officials who say yes, there was an ultimatum. The commander thwarted one of the vessels that blocked in the harbor there. And we are told that the forces have three choices. They can swear allegiance and surrender or face an attack. Now a denial through russian state media from the black sea fleet. The russian black city fleet that there was any such ultimatum. We are being told that these ultimatums have been regular and constant since Russian Troops first showed up. At various military bases and installations across that region. Russian forces have been saying we have a limited time. They have not been enforced. We have russian lawmakers dealing with a necations of territory. Tell us about that. So a group of members of the Russian Parliament are coming up with an amendment to the existing law. What this is supposed to do is define the rules and scenario and the process where by another country or part of another country can seek to join the Russian Federation. A reverse annexation where part of another country said we would like to join russia. It describes the scenario where a government is not protecting the citizensment International Law is not working and there is no consensus under that scenario. The people of a country or of a region would hold the referendum and they would be able to join the Russian Federation. At the moment it is just a draft. Its a Committee Stage in the parliament. Not sure how much support it got, but it is absolutely drawn up in response to the events that we are seeing in the ukraine. We are. The forces predominantly russian speaking. Obviously very specific to that. Here with us now as well, the United States army retired, he is a cnn military analyst. We hear these conflicting reports about whether the Russian Military or the black sea naval commander has said look, you need to surrender here in crimea to Ukrainian Forces. Do you read this as a sign of confusion or perhaps reading this as a sign of calculation . Like most military operations, there is a lot of confusion on the ground. This chapter on the ground. N they virtually control everything they needed in crimea. I hope they are not going to ratchet up the situation by starting the conflict. That would be number one unnecessary because they have what they want. Number two, it would lead to senseless loss of life and possibly escalate the situation. So whose move is it now. Talk specifically about the u. S. When it comes to president obama . What does he need to do . Is it his move . First of all, president obama has been clear on two things. Number one, this is an international problem, not an american problem. He is trying to go to nato and the eu and by trying to bring in osc eamonn tors. And my view on the stake is taking use of military force off the table. It could be that military force just a gigantic opening to the russians and said to the russians what you have done has been validated. Nobody will stand up. Even if you are dealing with translation. What do you read into that. I didnt hear the phone call and i didnt want to speculate, but they had a set of talking points. He was making it clear he was not willing to put troops on the line. As i said earlier, that was probably the ticket in the mind of president putin to continue the operation. Without concern that the International Community was going to intervene to stop it. You consider that to be opening the door and saying come on in. One of the things we have seen as president obama really tries to make this more about accountability from europe and not the u. S. The New York Times talked to putin and that she came away saying that putin lot of touch with reality. They did it in czechoslovakia in the 60s. This is very logical and consistent with russian history. If the borders were threatened, they will take action. Do you read it in that way . What i read is that there is a belief among this administration. Taking a break from history, somehow the 21st century will be with the 20th in 19th. Putin is acting as a realist and the nationalist that he has been for years and years. These activities are completely rational. The response to him of the International Community has been the result he is going to move his pieces on the chess board and take the blocks. General mark, thanks if are your time. Appreciate it. Sure. The ukraine crisis is triggering a global stock market tumble. You may wonder why ukraine matters so much to the world economy. Thats the help of many countries. Russias economy is dependent on energy crisis. Russia supplies much of europes gas through pipelines that crisscross ukraine. During disputes, russia cutoff the pipelines causing them to soar. Russias stocks took the steepest dive in five years. Lets take a look at how the stocks are doing. The dow is down a little over 160 points. Lets bring in the host of quest means business in london. Richard, how are the stocks reacting in london where you are. In all the markets you are seeing, heavy sell offs. In germany. The index closed down 1 2 1 2 . Germaniy has huge business relations the. A lot of economic interests with russia. If there looks to be any form of sanctions and economic effect between the west and russia, germany is one of the first economies that will certainly feel the pinch on this side of that. London was down 1 1 2 . Paris similarly. Ukraine as such economically. Both because of those pipelines and because any form of economic standoff between russia, the United States, the European Union is absolutely so serious, that is why if we look under the hood of this, if we look under it, we are seeing all the usual effects. Thats up 2 . Oil up 1. 5 . U. S. Trooshys and the last bastians of safety. The yield on that is started to rise. Most definitely we are seeing effects of this crisis in the economic sphere. Are you thinking this is going to be shortterm or do you think we will be seeing a longterm stock sell off. Park are this stock sell off, its not just limited to stocks. Its oil and currencies during an all time low in the u. S. Dollar. Lets call it this market volatility. Even the index that looks at volatility was up 15 . This will continue until there is a form of serenity. Some sort of sanity. Until the markets get an idea of what is going to happen. As they continue to rise and the tempers and tensions get higher, they are going to see more of this flight to quality. They will benefit. Richard quest, thank you as always for bricking it down for us. Coming up, much, much more on this fast moving situation and whats going on inside of putins head and why crimea is so important to them. We are speaking live with putins motivation. Millions of americans getting hammered by a nasty winter storm. We will take you live to one of the hard est hit places and the trial begins. For the man known as the blade runner accused of murdering his girlfriend. What a neighbor said she heard from oscar pistoriuss home. We will go back to our breaking news and back here in the u. S. , when will it be over. That is what winterweary folks have been. You have about 90 Million People from the midwest to the northeast dealing with another round of snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. We have a live look at the u. S. Capital. Beautiful and very cold. This storm could bring up to a foot of snow to areas on the east coast. New jersey, delaware, virginia, mississippi and tennessee. They have all declared states of emergency and School Districts from dallas to philadelphia are closed. Two people have been killed. They had to plow Washington International airport not far from washington, d. C. 2400 flights have been canceled because of this. Most are in d. C. And philadelphia. The snow didnt stop this guy from jogging in d. C. I dont think thats a good idea. Hes not wearing enough clothes. The federal government closed here in washington, d. C. Joining us from this sort of snowy cold paradise, but also its chilly out there. Erin, we are expecting to get this trifecta of rain, ice, and snow. How long do you think this will last . Brianna, hopefully not that much longer. It has been snowing off and on all day, but we got rain last night and thats why we have this slick thick layer of ice underneath all of snow. Thats made the roads around here very slick. We have seen a lot of cars sliding on this road out here right in front of the capitol. Monday is a very busy day in washington. You have lots of commuters from all over the country trying to get into washington for the weeks business to start. That has been slowed down and also the White House Briefing was canceled and obviously there is a lot of news going on out of russia and ukraine. Its too bad the briefing has been canceled. Tomorrow is another big day in washington as you know. The president s budget will be delivered to capitol hill tomorrow morning at 8 00 a. M. There is a big photo opportunity at the dirkson office building. We hope they can get them cleared so everyone has a chance to review the budget. A lot of important stuff this week. You need to get the snow cleared out of washington. Thank you very much. Up next, more on breaking news and reports of an ultimatum that forces surrender or face military action. As we speak, meeting with president obama and the conversation if we learned from the past could get testy after an infamous interview. Thats next. Those Little Things still get you. Cialis tadalafil for daily use helps you be Ready Anytime the moment is right. Cialis is also the only daily ed tablet approved to treat symptoms of bph, like needing to go frequently. Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medicines, and ask if your heart is healthy enough for sex. Do not take cialis if you take nitrates for chest pain, as it may cause an unsafe drop in Blood Pressure. Do not drink alcohol in excess. Side effects may include headache, upset stomach, delayed backache or muscle ache. To avoid longterm injury, get medical help right away for an erection lasting more than four hours. 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Call today to request your free decision guide and find the aarp Medicare Supplement plan to go the distance with you. Go long. Are. As if president obama doesnt have enough on his plate, he is hosting an important visitor, benjamin netanyahu, a leader who has never seen eye to eye with the president. Their relationship could be rockier after a recent interview mr. Obama gave to bloomberg. He left now doubt when it comes to the peace process, the ball is in israels court. When i have a conversation, thats the essence of my conversation. If not now, when. If not you, then who . How does this get resolved. They are meeting right now and should be meeting any moment. If he wants to close a deal before he leaves office. Gloria borger to talk about this. Gloria, this meeting comes as the president faces this huge test in ukraine. And the palestinian conconflict. If you read his words, you sense a real impatience on the part of the president. Secretary kerry has been very involved. You get the sense that not only is he talking about netanyahu, he is also talking about himself. This is the president whose presidency has been all about islamist extremism and civil wars and he would like as part of his legacy to at least get something started in the intractable mideast. He will push netanyahu as you point out, they are not best of friends. Im sure netanyahu was not thrilled by that interview. It sounded like the president was giving him an ultimatum. Its clear that the presidency is ticking. We are seeing whats going on with russia as a major test. You read the Washington Post today, the opinion section. It talks about president obamas Foreign Policy even just leading up to this point. The Foreign Policy is based on fantasy. At the Washington Post, they slam him. They say he thinks and bases his Foreign Policy on how he thinks the world should operate rather than on reality. The stakes here are so high. The stakes here are hugely high. That would be the same complaint that john mccain is offering when he said the administration had an effect on the Foreign Policy. This goes back to the vasilation on syria. One day it seems like we are ready to intervene and the next day the president said never mind. Nobody can say with certainty whats in Vladimir Putins side and why he did what he did. He had his own geopolitical reasons whether there was a certain amount of willingness to do it because he thought the president was not going to be a strong leader or is that, by the way, our nato allies would not be strong. Who knows if thats a part of it. Let me say about the domestic politics. When the president gets ready to propose a list of very strong sanctions which i believe he is going to do, i think you can be sure you are going to see a United Congress behind president obama. Thats something that we havent seen hardly ever. I think what ironically is going to happen, congress and the president are going to want to be on the same leadership page when it comes to what you should do about russias intervention in the ukraine. I think it will be conservative and it will be liberal. They are going to join behind him for strong sanctions that are going to have. We heard criticism from people like senator mccain and as you mentioned hearing from republican senator rob saying there needs to be one voice in the white house. We will see how that plays out. Its a test for the president because the president has to go on our allies which he has been trying to do. Angela merkel gets on board and thats another test of the leadership. It sure is. Thank you so much. Up next, as russia denies setting an ultimatum for the military in ukraine, what kind of precedent could this set in congress . We will take you into Vladimir Putins thinking the best we can and the chess battle he is waming right now. Youcnns special coverage. Told ya you could do it. dad vo i want her to be safe. So, i taught her what i could and got her a subaru. girl piece of cake. announcer love. Its what makes a subaru, a subaru. [ mthat if you wear a partial,w youre almost twice as likely to lose your supporting teeth . Try poligrip for partials. Poligrip helps minimize stress which may damage supporting teeth by stabilizing your partial. Care for your partial. Help protect your natural teeth. We know were not the center of your life, but well do our best to help you connect to what is. Bottom of the hour. Im brianna keilar. We have breaking news we are following on the escalating military standoff between russia and the ukraine. First president Obama Meeting in the oval office with israeli Prime Minister netanyahu. There strong historic ties and russian nationals as well as native russians. As there a lot of ukrainians in russia. There strong commercial ties. And so all of those interests i think can be recognized. What cannot be is for russia with immunity to put the soldiers on the ground and violate basic principals that are recognized around the world. Russia is on the wrong side of history. We are strongly supportive of the interim Ukrainian Government. John kerry is going to be traveling to kiev to indicate support for the ukrainian people to offer very specific ask concrete packages of economic aid. One of the things we are concerned about is stabilizing the economy. Even in the midst of this crisis. And what we are also indicating to the russians is that if in fact they continue on the current trajectory they are on, we are examining a series of steps. Economic and diplomatic. That will isolate russia. They will have a negative impact on the economy and the status in the world. We have already suspended preparations for the g8. The question for mr. Putin who i spoke to directly, the question for the russian government generally. If in fact the primary concern as they stated that russian speakers and russian nationals are not in any way harmed or a bouzed or discriminated against, then we should be able to set up international monitors and effort that mediates between different parts. Able to broker a deal that is satisfactory to the ukrainians and not to the United States and the russians, but the ukrainians and deescalate the situation. We are specific about how that might be done by the United Nations for the osce or other international organization. The facts on the ground are deeply troubling and russia has a large army that borders ukraine. But whats true is that overtime this will be a costly proposition for russia. Now is the time for them to consider whether they can serve their interests in a way that resorts to diplomacy. One last point i would make on this, i heard a lot of talk in congress about what should be done, what they want to do. Its to work with the administration to help with the ukrainians. When it comes to preserving principals that no country has the right to. Send in troops to another country. I will be able to get congress to work with us. You are looking at pictures from the oval office. That was the press pool there. Getting some words from president obama as he meets with israeli Prime Minister benjamin netanyahu. Top of the line is he was talking about whats going on in the ukraine with russia and you also saw the Vice President and the secretary in the oval office . How significant the events going on in ukraine are. We will bring in the chief correspondent here in washington. Jill doherty my former colleague and Moscow Bureau chief. Explain why this matters and why ukraine is so crucial globally and to the u. S. Well, i think one thing we were always trying to remind viewers is that one, its in europe. Its not a distant land. Remember on the western border for ukraine are four allies and nato members. Poland, huh garry and slovakia and the south bay. If they are threatened and the u. S. Is required to respond and defend. There areas that are heavily russian and russian speaking and eastern part of the country leaning towards russia. Not everyone, but many there. The western part of the country. Ukrainianspeaking leaning more towards the west. The divisions have played out in recent elections there. If you look at the electoral map and the folks in the east voted for the president who just left the office. In the west they voted for the man just released from prison after the elections. Thats the division that is playing there. You have and jill will know this better than me. You have russia which wants to exert influence and not recreate the soviet union and exert influence over area that is it has ties to. They said this is not irrational behavior. This is what we have seen recent times in 2008. Does this seem logical when you consider russian behavior and the behavior of Vladimir Putin and his stance recently . I didnt expect russia would go this far. That said, i dont think its really out of character if you try to put yourself into the mind of Vladimir Putin. When that election took place, i should say when the uprisings took place on the streets and the president basically turned and ran very quickly. It was a complete dilemma for putin. He was the person they were counting on. They thought he would stand and fight and they could quickly put down the demonstrators. When it didnt happen, it was a rebuke. Putin has been trying to take the steps. He probably believes that they are carefully cal black and white brighted. The people who went on the military bases. They have send in extra reinforcement. That up rising on the streets of kiev is completely illegitimate. It does play in russia and the areas in the east of ukraine. Certainly in crimea where they do, some people really do think that nato and the west are just a step away from running in and taking over the government. Moving on east. That is the belief. When you listen to president obama. Protecting the rights and thats important. The kiev government has to make sure that Vladimir Putin has no excuse, no reason to protect the people. If he has the president said is really concerned. They want to iron it out in a united peaceful fashion. Jim, talk a little bit about the concern from the perspective of the administration. Russia is so key in so many discussions. You are talking about iran. You are talking about syria. So key and also such a thorn in the side of u. S. Diplomacy in the u. S. Reaching objectives. What does this mean for those other efforts . Regional and global as you say. Russia is central to any possible solution in syria. Russia is central to the nuclear deal being negotiated and a difficult with iran. As the relationship runs into trouble over ukraine, the Department Said that russia is good at compartmentalizing these issues and can focus on one or the other. These are personal. There is a breech of trust here. Also to jills point. I think its important. President obama lnchsed this. Offering in effect an offramp saying you have your concerns in the eastern part of the country. Lets address the concerns so that one, to remove that excuse if it needs an excuse to allow the troops to come in. Also a face saving move. A way forward to move out. In the meantime, the president referenced punitive measures which are being worked out. You know from the state department that they are preparing a list of sanctions that may target individuals in russia. Entities. I think thats where the leverage is. If you go after Russian Companies and banks. Talk about denial to the Financial System to london and new york. These are steps. Thats where there is real power. They are not talking about military power. Sanctions that might have a real effect and could have influence. Economic and diplomatic and no mention of military for sure there. I wonder when president obama is considering this, this is not obviously just about the moment. This is about in a way history. You and i were in russia in september for the summit when president obama had called off his meeting with putin in moscow. Decided not to make that part of the trip. Went to st. Petersburg. We have seen things be so rocky up to this. Is it possible that this could be the turning point or the nail in the coffin of russia relations and the key to all of the other Foreign Policy objectives. A lot of jockeying between the u. S. And russia, but also a lot of cooperation. You have the possibility of actually having the Russian Troops there and perhaps not wanting this to happen. Lets see ukrainian troops are killed in the process of some unknown band trying to take over as just happened last night. Trying to take weapons depot or a base. That could set off a firestorm. That could set off a civil war. You have that right in the middle of europe. It really forces europes hand and forces natos hand to decide what are you going to do . Nobody. I dont think the russians want that either. They dont want a war. They have to it has to be deescalated because tensions on the ground are high. Things are unpredictable. Person could drive this and americans should worry about this and be concerned. The president also mentioned. They are essentially almost bankru bankrupt. They oh, so much money its not even funny and that is of the dilemmas. If they are going down the tubes, they have to deal with a military conflict, if on their own land. Its a recipe for disaster. The International Community has to come up with some sort of money and longterm and shortterm funding to help, aid to help ukraine. Otherwise there is really not a lot of hope. Brianna, if i can add on to what jill is saying, if there is a real dangers and the witchs brew of tensions and a lot of guns on the ground. Jim and jill, thanks so much to both of you. Reaction is pouring in from one of the largest ukrainian populations in the u. S. We will take you there live. [ female announcer ] hands were made for playing. Legs, for crossing. Feet. Splashing. Better things than the joint pain and swelling of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. If youre trying to manage your ra, now may be the time to ask about xeljanz. Xeljanz tofacitinib is a small pill, not an injection or infusion, for adults with moderate to severe ra for whom methotrexate did not work well. Xeljanz is an ra medicine that can enter cells and disrupt jak pathways, that comes with ra. 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[phones rings] okay, ill send it. One hundred seventytwo dollars for a chemistry book, what is it, made of gold . Just use citi popmoney. Boom. Ah, shes feeling lucky. Hey sweetie. Cancun, yeah no, youll be spending spring break with your new chemistry book. With citi popmoney its easy to send money to just about anyone, anytime. Visit your local branch or citi. Com easierbanking to learn more. To nbcuniversals coveragens of the biggest loser olympic winter games ever, with the most coverage of the most events on every device. And the most hours of streaming video on the nbc sports live extra app, including the x1 platform from xfinity. Comcast was honored to bring every minute of every medal of nbcuniversals coverage to every screen. So whats next . Rio 2016. Welcome to whats next. Comcast nbcuniversal. In ukraines capital, public anger is growing and the army is calling up reservists and mobilizing troop, preparing for the war where the odds could be against them. Protesters in the u. S. Are no less passionate to see russia pull out of crimea and demanded that the u. S. Do something, time of need. Elp ukraine in its cnns ted roland is joining me from chicago which has one of the biggest ukrainian communities in the u. S. What do they want the u. S. To do . Its interesting. They know that the military option is not on the table. They want the u. S. To do everything they can for nato and other countries around the world to do everything that is possible. They know in their hearts that military options are not available. So its interesting. You talked to people and yes, they are angry, but also very, very sad and they are very worried about their friends and family in the ukraine. Take a listen to a couple of people who are emotional and worried. [inaudible]. I think ukraine is going to survive this. Hopefully. Its not just upset, its scary. Hitler and europe. I think its a very sad thing. Very sad. And because the people always everybody would like to come to our country. The big battle is ukrainian. It broke my heart and 24 hours, i can watch on the internet. 50,000 people in ukrainian descent, the village, every one of them is concerned about what is happening to their friends and family. Are people surprised or do they feel its characteristic and what to expect . They are surprised it happened and it happened the way it happened so quickly. To just come in and take over, but then questioning the past russia or specifically putin. A lot of people believe they are capable of this. Ted, interesting insight. Up next, more on the breaking news on the urgent situation in ukraine. Tough on both sides as russia denies reports of an ultimatum that ukraine must tell the military to surrender. We will talk strategy and diplomacy and what president obama should do. Anderson cooper will be anchoring the special coverage from kiev, ukraine after this. 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Looking for the involvement from the west and the United States and the European Union. Also at the same time they are calling up military reserves and trying to get as many volunteers as possible outside in Independence Square right behind now. You cant really see because of the fog and the darkness. All day people have been giving their names to officials volunteering to fight if it comes to that. It has not yet, but its still very, very tense indeed and no telling what may happen tomorrow with Russian Forces on the ground in crimea. As many as ten bases surrounded by forces in crimea. There was talk today of an ultimatum by a commander of the complete. That has been contradicted out of russia when you go short low for that. President obama a short time ago spoke about the situation about the diplomatic situations. The u. S. And the European Union might install against moscow. He was talking while meeting with israeli Prime Minister benjamin netanyahu. Lets listen. You concerned about Russian Forces into parts of the eastern . All of the above. I spent the weekend talking to leaders across the earth. I think the world is largely united and recognizing that the steps russia has taken are a violation of the ukraine. Sovereigntyy and the territorial integrity. They are a violation of International Law and a violation of previous agreements that russia has made with respect to how they respect their neighbors. As a consequence they got strong statements from the g 7 condemning the actions of russias state. We are going to continue these diplomatic efforts in the course of this week. My interest is seeing the ukrainian people determine their own destiny. They have strong ties to the ukraine. There a lot of russian nationals inside the ukraine. As well as native russians. They are a strong commercial tie. And so all of those interests i think can be recognized, but what cannot be done is for russia with impunity to put soldiers on the ground and violate basic principals that are recognized around the world. President obama speaking just a short time ago. You can hear music playing behind me and people singing. The square is still very active with demonstrations and ultimately drove that president to flee the country. He is now in russia. He left more than a week ago. Leaving behind a very shaky country and very shaky situation. The protesters have not left the square. They said they are not going to leave the square until they see that the new government that takes over, the new government in place actually follows through on the promises they have made to try to fight corruption and help with the Economic Situation that is in dire straights. Thats the sound you are hearing behind me. Recordings and people singing. It goes on 24 hours a day all through tonight. That is also when you see a lot of people signing up and saying they will fight, they will die to try to keep ukraine together. I want to check in with phil black who is in moscow. There has been a lot of fast moving developments today. Phil, one of the biggest was allegations first of all made by Ukrainian Military officials who said that a russian commando, the black fleet, had threatened to basically attack Ukrainian Forces if the Ukrainian Forces by tomorrow did not either surrender or pledge allegiance to crimean officials in crimea to pro russian officials. That has been denied by russian authorities. Whats the latest . Thats right. Initially this report first came from Russian Media and said that putin, the Russian Military forces in crimea set a 5 00 a. M. Deadline to put down weapons, otherwise they would place a form of Russian Military force. When we spoke to the officials, they confirmed that and told a detailed story where by the russian commander of the fleet, they boarded a ukrainian vessel that is blockaded in the harbor and gave the personnel three options to swear allege yens. They said there is no ultimatum and there never was. It didnt happen. The military official said that deadlines have been a regular feature of their dealings with Russian Military forces ever since they started moving through and surrounding the military bases there. They are regularly given ultimatums and ukrainian Officials Say the military forces have not reached out to them and the dead lines have passed and so far nothing has happened. They believe it is a technique that the russians are using to apply psychological pressure to get the forces to lay down arms and ensure that the russians can finish what they have done so far. That is effectively take over crimea without firing a single shot. And they are certainly in control of crimea, no doubt about that. Phil black from moscow, we will check with on all the corresp d correspondence throughout this hour. The former u. S. Ambassador to russia who joins us now. First of all, what do you make of this report of this ultimatum being denied by officials in moscow. Does it ring true to you that a local commander and the black sea commander would make the ultimate . I dont know who is right or wrong, but in other instances like this in russian history, there is confusion in the chain of command. There sometimes people that take their orders and interpret them in a certain way. Its not surprising. Im glad so far that we have not seen Armed Conflict between ukrainians and the russians. That would be a threshold that would be truly disasterous. In terms of diplomatic efforts in kiev, one hope that is a diplomatic solution can be found. You are looking at the United States and the European Union. How do you see it working if it can work . Well, it has to work. It has to be the focus of attention of all responsible leaders in the world. I think its important that secretary kerry will be joining you there tomorrow. Thats a good signal. Its penitentiary what the government has done in terms of signalling number one, restraint. Number two, signalling that they want reconciliation and ukrainians to decide the issue by themselves. They dont want to spiral into some kind of civil war that brings russia in. I think its interesting if you look at what the russian government officials are saying, not the people on television. But the government officials, they still are also going back to the february 21st agreement and talking about how there has to be a negotiated settlement. They are not talking about crimea becoming an independent country or part of russia yet that. Leaves the door open for diplomacy. Does that tell you that russia does not want crimea has part of russia proper . What russia wants, we have to be careful. Lets talk about putin and what others have. My reading of the situation and i just was in moscow working last week meeting with government officials there. That president putin was frustrated by the way that the february 21st agreement fell apart. Many officials expressed to their disappointment that the president was so weak and did not have order. This was the immediate First Response to go into crimea and say we will be an actor and a player. I dont think they decided what their end game is. I dont think putin himself knows whether he wants to use this to negotiate a different term in terms of what the composition of the next government of ukraine might be. Whether he decided he wants to try to take crimea as a piece for russia. They are undecided about what the ultimate end game is so far. There was a report right now from the New York Times that the german chancellor had a conversation with president obama on the phone after having a conversation with Vladimir Putin. According to the times source, Angela Merkel believed that Vladimir Putin was basically out of touch with reality. Not necessarily in this world. If that is the case, that would seem to be a frightening prospect. Of course i cant speak to what the two leaders talked about in reality. I also read that. I can tell you that it was often times troubling to me and i sat at the table with president putin from time to time in the previous job. The sources of information they had, allegations about what we were doing here and there were somewhat surprising to me. Obviously if you watch Russian Television as i have been over the last couple of days, you would have thought that nazi brigades invaded crimea and the russian population needed to be saved. We all know because of the reporting there is no such thing. There is no such threat whatsoever. Its hard for me to know what the president and what actual news and information he has. Its obviously disturbing if the weapons allegations were reported in the New York Times were true. Do you see any scenario in which Russian Forces go further and Russian Forces go into parts of Eastern Ukraine . Yes. I dont want to predict and i dont want to sound dire, but i know my european history. I teach history here at stanford. I know that on the cusp of crisis in the beginning, people think this assassination here, this act here is going to stop with that. I would remind everyone that there lots of unintended consequences when you have armed men staring at each other in places like you do in crimea. I think we all need to be vigilant and its in no ones interest, not russias and europe and not the United States and certainly not in the interest of the people of the ukraine to see an all out civil war in the heart of europe and 50 Million People. Troubling times here. I appreciate your perspective. Cnn military analyst is joining us. Its good to have you on the program. In terms of what you have seen over the last 12 hours, 12 to 24 hours, what do you make of the Russian Military stance on the ground in crimea. As the ambassador pointed out, what you see is strong and capable. What i would suggest is conventional military on the ground which has done a superb job militarily of isolating crimea and ensureing it retains access to the only warm water port and has National Security implications and has incredible trade implications with russia. They created movement within crimea. At this point clearly what we have seen from russia is a consolidation in crimea. We havent seen anything to suggest that they are about to begin operations into the rest of a larger ukraine. If we were, those forces would come from russia. Not from crimea. Those forces would have to come from russia. They come from crimea both because of the geography. Absolutely. You could, but that would put forces in crimea at risk. Its a peninsula and a narrow neck. You have to go from a controlled area through this very restricted area. Try to deploy a greater number of forces into Eastern Ukraine. Thats unlikely. Militarily thats not likely. What you see is the formation. Why be able to pick off of it. If he is intent to doing something and i suggest hes not. He achieves what he wants, but we have to be vigilant. We would see the formation of military increased activity along the border with ukraine. That reduces any type of warning situation. We would have no warning between operations in russia and a Movement Across the border in ukraine. In terms of the ukraine and military capabilities, when i was out in the square talking to people and 65 to 70yearold men talking about how they were wanting to volunteer and fight. If it gets to that, thats not a scenario. How strong is the Ukraine Military and how big are the reserve forces called up today. Anderson, ukraine has a military that is about a fifth of the size of russia. Overall they have committed just a few million in terms of their Defense Budget over the course of the last year. It really is an unfair fight were they to mobilize the guard. The ukraine people that is not an out come that anybody would like to see. Good to have you on the program. We will take a short break. We will look at what options the u. S. And pop have. Blap [ female announcer ] who are we . We are the thinkers. The job jugglers. The up allnighters. And the ones who turn ideas into action. Weve made our passions our lifes work. We strive for the moments where we can say, i did it we are entrepreneurs who started it all. With a signature. Legalzoom has helped start over 1 million businesses, turning dreamers into business owners. And were here to help start yours. Turning dreamers into business owners. 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Generating electricity thats cleaner and reliable, with fewer emissions it matters. By the way, there significant russian populations in many countries in poland and romania and the baltic countries. Does this mean we now go to putin acting on behalf of russian population and parts of all these countries . Senator john mccain has been critical of the handling of this situation and the ukraine as he has been critical of the obama administrations policy in general over the last several years. Reporting from kiev in front of Independence Square, you can hear prayers are being said at this late hour in the 10 00 hour here on monday night. There was a lot of people praying in ukraine, praying this country stays together and praying that hostilities do not break out between the russian and Ukrainian Forces in crimea. It is a very tense, very dangerous situation. The country as the new Prime Minister said is on the brink of disaster. On Cnn International, they join us from new york said time international. You spoke with a former ukrainian Prime Minister. A woman in jail under the last president. The president who fled more than a week ago. She is a key player on the ground. Thats right. She is a major power player. She said first and foremost she is appealing to ukrainians to stay cool and calm and not give russia pretext to increase the military incursion. She also said as we talked that she was very concerned that the Russian Parliament was debating a bill about a necking crimea. Fully understanding as she put it the balance of power between russia and ukraine, no match for the russians and any military confrontation ended up in disaster for ukraine. They needed to stop russia grabbing crimea. Its given to russia and when russia is allowed to take away crimea. The world will change and not only politics and in ukraine has changed, politics and has changed practically everywhere in the world and have to accept to state that in 21st century, one country. A very nervous interim government is trying to figure out how to get themselves out of this terrible crisis. You were mentioning people in the square saying they wanted to volunteer. They have called up the mobilization for training. I asked what was the point of this given the unequal balance of power. We understand that we cannot face off against russia. If russians do increase their intervention, they go beyond into other parts of ukraine and she said ukrainians would give their lives to stop that. They had in the square last week and she said that nobody wants this to happen, but ukrainians might feel that they were so upset they would have to give their lives to the country. Here sanctions are being prepared. Its a european mediated and maybe some kind of mediated talks between russia and the authorities. Anderson. Everyone said diplomacy is the only way this can end. There is not a solution here in terms of involvement from other countries and the forces are not up to the battle at this point and how would that what are the next steps for that diplomatic solution on for him to get under way. As she pointed out to kiev. The president and he have been on the phone talking to european leaders and trying to come up with a united plan. We know he said in the past, he likes her. She is from Eastern Ukraine herself. The russian speaking part. She is a major player despite being discredited. She and putin will have what might be the most meaningful talks. If the two of them can work out a deal, at least the sort of shape of a deal, that is something called for europeans and the u. S. To swoop in on and endorse it. Appreciate you being on as well. Go ahead. Simply to say i asked about what kind of an agreement could be struck. Including your former guests were saying that february 21st agreement where european leaders had an agreement with janecovich to have elections and reduce the power of the presidency. I asked him if that was a goal. If the russians are saying that too, we want to get back to the socalled february 21st agreement. She said to me in no uncertain term, no, no way at all. What happened is that returned u crape to the dictatorship after giving up so many lives. And the officials, the government is shaky and its a new government and the interim president and new Prime Minister. They have back tracked on things they have decided to do earlier in the week in terms of use of the russian language in parts of ukraine. They started to try to make concessions on ultimatums. Yes and they have been urged by all the allies to do that. That was one of the dumbest things they could have done and the polish foreign minster who was one of the keys who attempts to resolve this. They said this was a really stupid thing that the authorities have done. This is before this crisis developed to where it is right now. Coming up with what limits or bans the use of the russian language. They said they had to stop those kinds of things. Basically reach out in a government of National Unity and National Trust or whatever was used to make sure that they show ukraine and crimea. Its not true with the ukrainians. Certainly not that on the ground as well. Great to have you on. When we come back, we will look at the Economic Impact this had allaround the world. Not just in the United States and russia. Allaround the world on financial markets. Well be right back live from kiev. All we do is go out to dinner. Thats it . I mean, he picks up the tab every time, which is great. Hes using you. 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Advances that could help you move on from hep c. Now is the time to rethink hep c and talk to your doctor. Visit hepchope. Com to find out about treatment options. And register for a personalized guide to help you prepare for a conversation with your doctor. [ female announcer ] some people like to pretend a flood could never happen to them. And that their Homeowners Insurance protects them. [ thunder crashes ] it doesnt. Stop pretending. Only Flood Insurance covers floods. Visit floodsmart. Gov pretend to learn your risk. Welcome back. Im Anderson Cooper live from kiev. I want to welcome our viewers in the United States and Cnn International around the world. You can hear prayers being said in Independence Square here in kiev. Its 10 30 at night on monday. The end of what has been a very, very tense day. No let up in the situation as of now. The government here clearly looking for some sort of diplomatic solution and looking to the west to the United States and help on the diplomatic front. They can get looking to the military front and perhaps as more of a show of force and reality. The reserves and trying to get volunteers as well to sign up. There many people throughout the day where we said they are willing to volunteer if it comes to a fight. It has not come to that yet. No real shots have been fired. As many as ten Ukrainian Military bases in crimea said to be surrounded by Russian Forces. Pro Russian Forces on the ground. There was talk earlier today and reports that a black sea fleet commander had given an ultimatum and forces in crimea. They will either swear allegiance to the officials to the new government or surrender. That alleged ultimatum which had been reported by Ukrainian Defense officials has now been denied by russian officials as reported by the russian state media. Conflicting information on the ground coming out of crimea and adding to the tension here. We now got the report that president putin according to his official Facebook Page had a conversation with the president of kazakhstan and no real news, just repeating the russian that putins public statements that the lives and the well being and russian speaking people in crimea and Eastern Ukraine are under threat and that is why russia has acted as they had. It certainly rocked economic markets around the world and just a stock market and the United States. Particularly russian economic markets. For that i want to go to our Global Economics analyst. How bad were they in moscow and russia hit as well as the United States. Clearly we are having problems maintaining contact. We will try to get back in touch with her. We will take a short break. More live from kiev in a moment. No two people have the same financial goals. Pnc investments works with you to understand yours and helps plan for your retirement. Talk to a pnc investments Financial Advisor today. Marge you know, theres a more enjoyable way to get your fiber. Try phillips fiber good gummies. Theyre delicious, and a good source of fiber to help support regularity. Wife mmmm husband these are good marge the tasty side of fiber. From phillips. This is the first power plant in the country to combine solar and natural gas at the same location. During the day, we generate as much electricity as we can using solar. At night and when its cloudy, we use more natural gas. This ensures we can produce Clean Electricity whenever our customers need it. Welcome back reporting live from kiev. As we have been saying, its a tense situation. Russian troops on the ground in crimea. The government here trying to figure out how to solve the crisis diplomatically. The only option is not that is sustainable against Russian Forces on the ground. The Global Economics analyst, in terms of the impact that this had on markets, how bad has it do been . Markets have been jittery and stocks have been hit. You have seen a lot of flights to safe havens and its going to stay this way as soon as we do have worries over conflict in part because this is about europe and gas. There has to be russia and the ukraine. As always in Global Energy markets, perception is reality. If there is a sense that flows can be interrupted in the middle of winter for any reason. Markets will stay jittery. Appreciate the update. I want to bring in the former cia officer and also cnn military National Security analyst. Bob, we are getting breaking reports right now. I want to read it as i get it. According to ukraine Defense Ministry spokesman, up to 12 trucks have crossed into the eastern city of perch from russia. According again to the Ukrainian Defense ministry, they have seen 12 vehicles bringing troops across the border into eastern crimea to perch. What does that tell you in terms of the situation on the ground. I think putin is determined to do something about the ukraine. He will hold on to crimea no matter what the International Pressure is. There a couple of things he is after. One, he is extremely scared that a totally independent ukraine would join nato, but more importantly that he intends to protect russian citizens. Its a clear doctrine with them. If russians should end up dying, he will move troops in further. But the argument being made by putin and by russians who support him, russian speaking people in crimea were under attack and in danger for their lives. There is not evidence of that. Anderson, there is no evidence of it. I spent a couple of years with the Russian Military and watched and any time there was a potential threat, they were ready to move armored divisions and any part of the former empire. We have to consider that putin frames this in terms of the russian empire and sees vital interests in the ukraine and among them to protect russians or even prevent violence against them in a preemptive move. Do you see a scenario where crimea becomes part of russia or remains part of ukraine and simply greater autonomy. I think we can reach an agreement where there is a federalized arrangement where the name belongs to the ukraine and see the Russian Troops staying there and the russians keeping a permanent interest with putin in the kremlin. Good to have you on the program. Talk to you no doubt more throughout the day as the crisis continues to develop. We will check in with jake tapper and look at the criticism from the way president obama handled this earlier in the program. We will hear from others ahead. To truck guys, the truck is everything. And when you put them in charge of making an unbeatable truck. Good things happen. This is the ram 1500. The 2014 motor trend truck of the year and first ever backtoback champion. Guts. Glory. Ram. What does an apron have to do with Car Insurance . An apron is hard work. An apron is pride in what you do. An apron is not quitting until youve made something a little better. What does an apron have to do with Car Insurance . For us, everything. To nbcuniversals coveragens of the biggest loser olympic winter games ever, with the most coverage of the most events on every device. And the most hours of streaming video on the nbc sports live extra app, including the x1 platform from xfinity. Comcast was honored to bring every minute of every medal of nbcuniversals coverage to every screen. So whats next . Rio 2016. Welcome to whats next. Comcast nbcuniversal. Because of this, the president of russia went to these federations asking for the use of the armed forces on the territory and told there was normalization of the situation in the country. On the first of march, the federation supported this appeal which we hope will cutoff the radicals and i repeat we are talking about defending our citizens and com patriots in defending the most important human rights, the right to life. Today i am also authorized to say the following. The president has received and russia received the following from the president. And i quote, the statements of the president of ukraine has legitimately said that the events in my place and the events in kiev have resulted in the fact that ukraine is on the brink of a civil war. In the country there is chaos and anarchy. The rights of security and of people in the southeast parts of crimea are being threatened. Under the influence of western countries are there open acts of violence. People are being persecuted for language for political reasons. I would call on the president of russia, mr. Putin asking him to use the armed forces of the Russian Federation to establish a legitimacy of peace and stability and defending the people of ukraine. The first of march, 2014. So colleagues, i have an opportunity to show all of you a photocopy of the original of this statement of the president of ukraine. I show it by the president of russia. Madam president , those who are trying to interpret this situation of aggression are threatening with sanctions and boycotts. These are the partners who have consistently encouraged them and refraining and to ignore the south part of ukraine and polarize ukrainian society. And to put above all the interest of the ukrainian people. Dated 21st of february including the beginning of the process of the constitutional reform with the participation and the opinion of all regions of ukraine for subsequent approval and referendum and the legitimate unity and considering the interests of all Political Forces and regions of the country. The russian position was and remains consistent and open. While for some western politicians, ukraine is only a geopolitical playground, for us it is a fraternal country and we are bound to it. Russia is interested in a stable and strong ukraine. Where we see in short, legitimate interests of. In this extraordinary situation not of our making when the live and security of the residents of crimea and southeast regions are being subjected to a real threat due to the irresponsible and provocative actions of gangs and other Ultra National elements, we would like to once again emphasize that the actions of russia are fully appropriate and legitimate. Thank you very much, madam president. Translator i thank the Russian Federation for a statement. Ill give the floor to that was a statement made by russians ambassador to the United Nations. I want to bring in middle east editor for the daily beast. Chris, what do you make of that statement . Some extraordinary allegations about the situation on im told the United States is about to speak. Lets listen in. Lets begin with a clear and candid assessment of the facts. Its a fact that Russian Military forces have take every over ukrainian borders and the Ferry Terminal in curch. Its a fact that they are blocking mobile services in some areas. Its a fact that russia has surrounded or overtaken all ukrainian facilities into crimea. Its a fact that russian jets entered Ukrainian Air space. Its a fact that there is no evidence of violence against russian or prorussian communities. Russian military action is not a Human Rights Protection Mission. It is a violation of International Law and a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the independent nation of ukraine and a breach of the u. N. Obligations. The central issue is whether ukraine con institute as danger to russias legitimate interest of such a nature and extend that russia is in the ukraine seizing control of the public facilities and issuing ultimatum elements. The answer is no. Russian military bases in ukraine are secure. Kiev has promised to honor all of the international agreements, including russian bases. Russian mobilization is a response to an imaginary threat. A second issue is whether the population of the crimea or other parts of Eastern Ukraine are at risk because of the new government. There is no evidence of this. Military action cannot be justified on the basis of threats that havent been made and arent being carried out. There is no evidence, for example, that churches in Eastern Ukraine are being or will be attacked. The allegation is without basis. There is no evidence that ethnic russians are in danger. On the contrary, the new Ukrainian Government has placed a priority. President no one has to explain the need for recent communications, not only with leaders of the ethnic minority in the crimea or elsewhere but also with its neighbors. Thats why the former defense went to diffuse the situation. A second emissary was prevented from entering the crimea and its why reporters have reached out to russia. Russia needs to begin to engage directly with the government of ukraine. I note that russia has implied the right to take right in crimea if invited to do so by the government of crimea. We know this has no legal basis. The prohibition on the use of force would be rendered moot were subnational authorities able to invite military intervention by a neighboring state. Under the ukrainian constitution, only the ukraine yeah rada can approve the Russian Troops. If we are concerned about the rights of russian speaking minorities, the United States is prepared to work with russia and this council to protect them. We have proposed and wholeheartedly support the deployment of International Observers and monitors from the u. N. To ensure that the people about whom russia expresses such concern are protected from abuse and to illucidate for the world the facts on the ground. The solutions to this crisis is not difficult to envision. There is a way out. And that is through direct and immediate dialogue by russia with the government of ukraine the immediate pullback of russias military forces, the restoration of ukraines territorial integrity and the urgent deployment of human rights monitors, not through more threats and more distortions. Tonight, the osce will deploy monitoring to the ukraine. These monitors can provide neutral and needed assessments for the situation on the ground. This is necessary in crimea and in key cities in ukraine. The United States calls upon russia to ensure that the access is not impeded. The leadership in russia may not be happy with the decision of yanukovych to leave ukraine and move in with them. Including members of yanukovychs own party. Russia has every right to wish that events in the ukraine had turned out differently but it does not have to the right to express that unhappiness by using military force or by trying to convince that up is down and black is white. Russia calls to turn back time ring hollow. It was yanukovych who failed to abide by the terms of that agreement fleeing kiev and ultimately ukraine. The United States categorically rejects the notion that the government the new government of ukraine is a government of victors. Its a government of the people. Elections that would allow ukrainians who would prefer different leadership to have their views heard. And the United States will stand strongly and proudly with the people of ukraine as they chart out their own destiny, their own government, their own future. The bottom line is that for all of the selfserving rhetoric we have heard from russian officials in recent days, there is nothing that justifies russian conduct. As i said in our last session, russias actions speak much louder than it is words. What is happening today is not a Human Rights Protection Mission and it is not a consensual intervention. What is happening today is a dangerous military intervention in ukraine. It is an act of aggression, it must stop. This is a choice for russia. Diplomacy can serve russias interests. The world is speaking out against the use of military threats and the use of force. Ukrainians must be allowed to determine their own destiny. Thank you, madam president. Strong statement by Samantha Power, the United States ambassador to the u. N. Following right on the heels of a statement by russias ambassador to the u. N. , russians ambassador saying that russianspeaking people, ethnic russians are under a threat, being attacked on the ground in ukraine. Theres no evidence of that that any journalist has been able to see in crimea or the Eastern Ukraine and calling for international monitors on ground in crimea to guarantee the rights of ethnic russians on the ground in crimea and elsewhere. I want to bring in chris dickey, mideast analyst for the daily beast. Chris, what do you make of the statements . Some incredible statements both by Samantha Power and russias ambassador to the u. N. Well, you know, the russians do speak louder than their words but their words are paving more room for their actions. And american statements really dont sound very impressive at all because you dont see what actions will back them up. You really dont see what the United States or nato are likely to do in order to stop the russians from pursing a course being laid out in that United Nations speech. They are saying that their people, their come patriots are under attack in ukraine. That doesnt matter if its true. Theres propaganda being put forth by the russians that says that its true. They need to convince their only people of that and they really dont care what the americans think. That really opens the way in the putin doctrine, which is a very dangerous thing, for them to move into the eastern and southern ukraine. Basically, thats what was being laid out. The only good news is that they go back to the february 21st accord and essentially are saying, if we put yanukovych back in power, maybe well see our way to a different path but thats not going to some one. So its all very, very dangerous and the United States and nato basically have not taken any position that putin is likely to respect. And it seems to be getting more dangerous by the hour. Chris dickey, thank you for being on. Sorry its so brief. Thats it for our broadcast. Ill be back on at 8 00 east coast time in the United States. I hope you join us for all of the latest developments and developments are moving very, very quickly. Indeed, want to go to jake tapper in washington, anchor of the lead. Jake . Good afternoon. Welcome to the lead in special edition of the lead. We just heard from the United States the Russian Ambassador to the United Nations, vitaly churkin. I want to also play some sound right now from the United States ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power, who is