Guardian - Barack Obama has thrown his support behind German diplomatic efforts to contain Russia in Ukraine, hinting that military alternatives under consideration by the White House remain largely symbolic and fraught with danger.
In a joint press conference with chancellor Angela Merkel aimed at emphasizing western unity, the president largely ignored pressure from some in Washington to send arms to Ukraine, preferring instead to keep any future options for ratcheting US support vague.
“Russian aggression has only reinforced the unity of the United States and Germany and our allies and partners around the world,” Obama said. “We continue to encourage a diplomatic resolution to this issue, and as diplomatic efforts continue this week, we are in absolute agreement that the 21st century cannot stand idle and simply allow the borders of Europe to be redrawn at the barrel of the gun.”
Immediately after the meeting, the Republican chair of the House armed services committee announced the launch of a bill in Congress to arm Ukraine that would probably be vetoed by the White House.
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