AP
Barack Obama reacts to a reporter's question asking him if he would
rescue Russian President Vladimir Putin if he was drowning during a news
conference in Seoul on Friday.
The U.S. and Europe are laying the groundwork to
sanction broad sections of Russia’s economy if Moscow mounts a military
incursion in eastern Ukraine, President Barack Obama said on Friday,
even as he acknowledged those sanctions may fail to deter Vladimir
Putin.
“We’ll continue to keep some arrows in our
quiver in the event we see further deterioration,” Mr. Obama said during
a news conference in South Korea.
Seeking to convey
strong unity among the U.S. and European nations, Mr. Obama said he was
“deeply encouraged” by the consistent condemnation of Russia’s actions
in Crimea that have emanated from capitals in Europe, North America and
across the globe.
Still, Mr. Obama conceded that
those statements of condemnation, as well as sanctions levied on Russia
so far, have not persuaded Russia’s leaders to change course. But he
insisted that Mr. Putin understands the economic hit Russia has already
taken as a result of its actions, adding that the Russian President “is
not stupid.”
The crisis in Ukraine has continually
trailed Mr. Obama as he travels across Asia this week. As Mr. Obama
opened a visit to South Korea on Friday, Russia’s Foreign Minister
accused the West of plotting to control Ukraine. A day earlier, Russia
announced new military exercises near its border with Ukraine in yet
another sign that tensions have only increased.
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