As the Crimea crisis simmers, a war of words rages.<br /><br />US Secretary of State John Kerry is in France ahead of an anticipated meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.<br /><br />But for now their countries remain worlds apart on recent events in Ukraine- and how best to resolve them.<br /><br />At a press conference US President Barack Obama upped rhetoric, saying that that there’s a strong belief that Russia’s actions are violating international law.<br /><br />He also noted the need for Ukraine and Russia to engage in direct talks:<br /><br />“We have sent a clear message that we are prepared to work with anybody, if their genuine interest is making sure that Ukraine is able to govern itself. And, as indicated before, something I think is not an emphasised enough: They are currently scheduled to have elections in May.”<br /><br />President Putin remains resolute that Russian armed forces aren’t operating in Crimea, despite their organisations and equipment, instead describing them as self defence units. <br /><br />In his first televised address since the crisis began, he also said that as it stands Moscow wouldn’t recognise Ukraine’s upcoming elections set for May.<br /><br />Putin also refused to rule out the use of force in the region, but stressed it would be a last resort.<br /><br />NATO and Russia are set to hold talks on Ukraine in Brussels.
