The United States on March 2 said it will send its top diplomat to Kiev in a show of support and threatened economic sanctions against Russia but made clear it is not seriously considering military action over Ukraine. 

European leaders lashed out at Russia on Saturday, as Moscow moved to deploy troops in Ukraine’s pro-Russian region of Crimea. A range of EU officials — from Britain and Finland to Germany, France and Spain, expressing alarm over Moscow’s military plans.

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius on Saturday called for a political solution to the ongoing tension in Ukraine, the Crimea as the epicenter. “France is deeply concerned by reports of the Crimea, which demonstrate significant movements of the armed forces,” Fabius said in a statement.

A senior U.S. administration official speaking on background said the Russian military is “full operational control” of the Crimea region of Ukraine, where it is believed that about 6,000 airborne troops and naval are present.

Deposed Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych tells reporters in Rostov-on-Don that he had been “compelled to leave” Ukraine after he received threats to his security. He insisted on Friday in his first public appearance since fleeing to Russia that he had not been overthrown and would continue to fight for the …

The Azerbaijani Defence Minister, Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov received the Ambassador of Turkey to Azerbaijan, Ismail Alper Coshgun on Feb.28, according to a message posted on the website of the Azerbaijani Defence

Ankara supports the territorial integrity of Ukraine, as this is very important for Turkey, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said on Feb. 27. The minister said Ukraine and Turkey are partners in many areas. Aside from that, the two parties hold regular political consultations.

The European Union has re-affirmed commitment to restoration of stability to Ukraine and renewed obligation to continue support for the crisis-stricken nation. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and security policy, Catherine Ashton, late on Wednesday, called a high level meeting to mobilise European Union support for Ukraine.

Bulgaria’s Foreign Minister Kristian Vigenin will meet with his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu in Sofia on Thursday.

Azerbaijan and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) plan to hold next meeting in “28+1” format in the coming months.