CBS Mornings

White House "appalled" by Ukraine violence

By Amanda Cochran

/ CBS News

Ukraine crisis: White House "appalled" by violence

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney says the Obama administration is "appalled" by the violence in Ukraine. 

For the time being, President Barack Obama has assigned the Ukraine problem to Vice President Biden, CBS News chief White House correspondent Major Garrett reported from Toluca, Mexico, where the president will travel Wednesday for a summit.

Biden has called Ukrainian President Vicktor Yanukovich three times since Jan. 23, with the same message each time -- government forces must pull back and de-escalate tensions that have led to violence.

 

Violence resumes in Kiev 52 photos
 That hasn't happened and concern is rising in the White House and in European capitals. Street fighting in Kiev doesn't directly influence or affect U.S. economic or political interests in the region, but the tug-of-war over Ukraine's future does -- at least broadly. Ukraine had been trending toward democracy and closer ties with the West, but Russian president Vladimir Putin has largely reversed those trend lines with economic incentives to the Yanukovich government -- one that many of those street protesters believe is not only oppressive, but thoroughly corrupt.
Ukraine violence: Dozens killed, hundreds hurt during clashes

 

The U.S. and European countries are now actively considering tougher economic sanctions -- a message Biden delivered by phone to Yanukovich Tuesday.

President Obama arrives in Toluca Wednesday and is not expected to address Ukraine in his opening summit remarks, preferring to focus on trade, investment and energy talks with his counterparts from Mexico and Canada.

First published on February 19, 2014 / 8:11 AM EST

© 2014 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.

f

We and our partners use cookies to understand how you use our site, improve your experience and serve you personalized content and advertising. Read about how we use cookies in our cookie policy and how you can control them by clicking Manage Settings. By continuing to use this site, you accept these cookies.