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Live Coverage And Analysis Of Crisis In Ukraine
Aired March 03, 2014 - 15:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
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ANDERSON COOPER, CNN ANCHOR: Hey, welcome back. I'm Anderson Cooper, reporting live from Kiev.
I want to welcome our viewers watching CNN in the United States and on CNN International around the world.
You can hear behind me prayers being said in independence square here in Kiev. It is 10:30 at night on Monday, the end of what has been a very, very tense day and no let up in the situation as of now.
The government here, clearly looking for some sort of diplomatic solution, looking to the West, to the United States for whatever help on the diplomatic front they can get, also looking to the military front, perhaps, as more of a show of force than reality, but calling up reserves, military reserves, trying to get volunteers, as well, to sign up.
And there are many people throughout the day who we talked to who said that they were willing to volunteer if it comes to a fight. It has certainly not come to that yet. Thankfully no real shots have been fired.
As many as 10 Ukrainian military bases in Crimea said to be surrounded by Russian forces and pro-Russian forces on the ground. There was talk earlier today, reports that a Black Sea fleet commander, a Russian Black Sea fleet commander, had given an ultimatum to Ukrainian forces in Crimea, saying either swear allegiance to the new Crimean officials, to the new Crimean government or surrender.
That alleged ultimatum, which was -- had been reported by Ukrainian defense officials, that has now been denied by Russian officials as reported by the Russian state media.
So, some conflicting information on the ground coming out of Crimea, just adding to the tension here.
And we have just now gotten a report that president Putin, this according to his official Facebook page, had a conversation with the president of Kazakhstan, as well as Belarus, no real news out of that, just repeating the Russian belief, or Vladimir Putin's beliefs or his public statements that the lives, the well being of Russian-speaking people in Crimea and eastern Ukraine are under threat and that is why Russia has acted as they have. But all that Russia has done has certainly rocked economic markets around the world not just a stock market in the United States, but particularly the Russian economic markets.
For that I want to go to our Rana Foroohar, our global economics analyst for CNN. How bad were the markets in Moscow and Russia hit today, as well as the United States and globally?
Rana, if you can hear me, how bad were markets hit today?
Clearly we are having some problems maintaining contact. We will try to get back in touch with her.
We're going to take a short break. We'll have more live from Kiev in just a moment.
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COOPER: And welcome back. I'm Anderson Cooper, reporting live from Kiev.
As we have been saying, it's a very tense situation, Russian troops on the ground in Crimea, the government here in Kiev trying to figure out how to solve the crisis diplomatically, which are really their only option.
The military option is not one that is really sustainable against Russian forces on the ground in Crimea.
I want to go to Rana Foroohar, our global economics analyst. Rana, in terms of the impact that this has had on markets in the United States and in Russia, how bad has it do been?
RANA FOROOHAR, CNN GLOBAL ECONOMIC ANALYST: It is been a bad day globally. Markets have been very jittery everywhere. Stocks in particular have been hit.
You have seen a lot of flights to safe havens like gold, bonds, certain kinds of government bonds, and I think that it's going to stay this way as long as we do have worries over conflict in part because this is about petro-politics.
A lot of Europe's gas actually flows from Russia through the Ukraine, and as always in global energy markets, perception is reality.
If there is a sense that flows could be interrupted in the middle of winter for any reason, markets are going to stay jittery.
COOPER: Rana, I appreciate the update.
I want to bring in Bob Baer, former CIA officer, also a CNN military national security analyst.
Bob, we are getting some breaking reports right now, and I'm going to read it as I'm getting it. According to Ukraine defense ministry spokesman, up to 12 trucks full of Russian troops have crossed into the eastern city of Kerch from Russia.
So, actually, according, again to the Ukrainian defense ministry, they have seen 12 transport vehicles bringing Russia troops across the border into eastern Crimea to the city of Kerch.
What does that tell you in terms of the situation on the ground?
BOB BAER, CNN NATIONAL SECURITY ANALYST: I think Putin is determined to do something about the Ukraine. And he will hold on to Crimea, no matter what the international pressure is.
There a couple of things that he is after. One, he is extremely scared that a totally independent Ukraine would join NATO, but more importantly that he intends to protect Russian citizens wherever they are.
It is a clear doctrine with him. If Russians should end up dying in the Ukraine, he will move his troops in even farther.
COOPER: But the argument being made by Putin and by the Russians who support him, that Russian-speaking people in Crimea were under attack, were in danger for their lives, there is not evidence of that.
BAER: Anderson, there's no evidence of it, but it's -- I spent a couple of years with the Russian military and watched. Any time there was a potential threat, they were ready to move armored divisions to whatever part of the former empire.
And I think, also, we have to consider that Putin does frame this in terms of the Russian empire and he sees vital interests in the Ukraine and among them is to protect Russians or even prevent violence against them in a preemptive move.
COOPER: Do you see a scenario where Crimea becomes part of Russia or it remains part of Ukraine with simply greater autonomy?
BAER: I think we could reach an agreement where there is some sort a federalized arrangement where in name it belongs to the Ukraine, but I could see the Russian troops staying there and the Russians keeping a permanent interest, especially with Putin in the Kremlin.
COOPER: Bob Baer, good to have you on the program. We'll talk to you no doubt more throughout the day as this crisis continues to develop.
When we come back, we'll check in with our Jake Tapper and take a look at criticism of President Obama for the way he has handled this.
We heard earlier in the program from Senator John McCain. We will hear from others, ahead.
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VITALY CHURKIN, RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR TO U.N. (via translator): -- of the Russian Federation in the Ukraine.
Because of this, the president of Russia went to these councils of the federations, asking for the use of the armed forces of Russia on the territory of Ukraine until there was normalization of the civic and political situation in the country.
On the first of March, the council of the federation supported this appeal which we hope will cutoff the radicals.
And I repeat we are talking about defending our citizens and our compatriots, on defending the most important human rights, the right to life.
Madam President, today, I am also authorized to say the following. The president has received -- of Russia has received the following from President Yanukovych, and I quote the statements of the president of Ukraine.
"As legitimately elected representative I say that the events in my place and the events in Kiev have resulted in the fact that Ukraine is on the brink of a civil war.
"In the country there is chaos and anarchy. The life, the security and the rights of people, particularly in the southeast parts in Crimea are being threatened.
"So, under the influence of Western countries, there are open acts of violence. People are being persecuted for language and political reasons.
"So, in this regard, I would call on the president of Russia, Mr. Putin, asking him to use the armed forces of the Russian Federation to establish a legitimacy of peace, law and order, stability and defending the people of Ukraine.
"Viktor Yanukovych, the first of March, 2014."
So, colleagues, I have an opportunity to show all of you a photocopy of the original of this statement of the president of Ukraine. I show it to the president of Russia. And there it is.
Madam President, those who are trying to interpret this situation almost as aggression are threatening with all kinds of sanctions and boycotts.
These are indeed our partners who have consistently encouraged political forces close to them to engage in ultimatums and to refrain from dialogue to ignore the concerns of the south and the eastern part of Ukraine and, in the end, to polarize Ukrainian society.
We call on them to show a responsible approach, to set aside geopolitical calculations and to put, above all, the interest of the Ukrainian people.
It is necessary to fulfill obligations in the agreement dated the 21st of February including the beginning of the process of constitutional reform with participation and full consideration of the opinion of all regions of Ukraine for subsequent approval in a national referendum and also the establishment of a legitimate government of national unity, considering the interests of all political forces and regions of the country.
The Russian position was and remains consistent and open.
While for some Western politicians, Ukraine is only a geopolitical playground, for us it is a fraternal country and we are bound to it by many centuries of common history.
Russia is interested in a stable and strong Ukraine where we see ensured legitimate rights and interests of Ukrainians, of our compatriots and of all citizens.
In this extraordinary situation not of our making when the live and security of the residents of Crimea and southeast regions are being subjected to a real threat due to the irresponsible and provocative actions of gangs and other ultranationalist elements, we would like once again to emphasize that the actions of Russia are fully appropriate and legitimate.
Thank you very much, Madam President.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (via translator): I thank the representative of the Russian Federation for his a statement.
I'll now give the floor to --
COOPER: We've been listening to a statement made by Russian's ambassador to the United Nations. Just been listening to a statement made by Russian's ambassador to the United Nations.
I want to bring in Christopher Dickey, Middle East editor for "The Daily Beast."
Chris, what do you make of that statement? Some extraordinary allegations about the situation on the -- I'm told the United States is now starting o speak.
Let's listen in.
SAMANTHA POWER, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO UNITED NATIONAL: Let's begin with a clear and candid assessment of the facts.
It is a fact that Russian military forces have take every over Ukrainian border posts. It is a fact that Russia has taken over the ferry terminal in Kerch.
It is a fact that Russian ships are moving in and around Sevastopol. It is a fact that Russian forces are blocking mobile telephone services in some areas.
It is a fact that Russia has surrounded or taken over practically all Ukrainian military facilities in Crimea. It is a fact that today Russian jets entered Ukrainian air space. It is also a fact that independent journalists continue to report that there is no evidence of violence against Russian or pro-Russian communities.
Russian military action is not a human-rights protection mission. It is a violation of international law and a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the independent nation of Ukraine and a breach of Russia's Helsinki commitments and its U.N. obligations.
The central issue is whether the recent change of government in Ukraine constitutes a danger to Russia's legitimate interest of such a nature and extent that Russia is justified in intervening military in Ukraine, seizing control of public facilities and issuing military ultimatums to elements of the Ukrainian military.
The answer, of course, is no. Russian military bases in Ukraine are secure. The new government in Kiev has promised to honor all of its existing international agreements, including those covering Russian bases.
Russian mobilization is a response to an imaginary threat.
A second issue is whether the population of the Crimea or other parts of eastern Ukraine are at risk because of the new government. There is no evidence of this.
Military action cannot be justified on the basis of threats that haven't been made and aren't being carried out.
There is no evidence, for example, that churches in eastern Ukraine are being or will be attacked. The allegation is without basis.
There is no evidence that ethnic Russians are in danger. On the contrary, the new Ukrainian government has placed a priority on internal reconciliation and political inclusivity.
President Turchynov, the acting president, has made clear his opposition to any restriction on the use of the Russian tongue.
No one has to explain to Ukraine's new government the need to have open communications, not only with leaders of the country's Russian ethnic minority in the Crimea and elsewhere, but also with its neighbors.
That is why when the current crisis began, the government sent its former chief of defense to the region to try to diffuse the situation.
A second emissary was prevented from entering the Crimean Rada to engage in discussions and it's why Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly reached out to Russia.
Russia needs to reciprocate and begin to engage directly with the government of Ukraine.
I note that Russia has implied a right to take military action in the Crimea if invited to do so by the prime minister of Crimea. As the government of Russia well knows, this has no legal basis.
The prohibition on the use of force would be rendered moot were sub- national authorities able to unilaterally invite military intervention by a neighboring state.
Under the Ukrainian constitution, only the Ukrainian Rada can approve the presence of foreign troops.
If we are concerned about the rights of Russian-speaking minorities, the United States is prepared to work with Russia and this council to protect them.
We have proposed and wholeheartedly support the immediate deployment of international observers and monitors from the U.N. or OSCE to ensure that the people about whom Russia expresses such concern are protected from abuse and to elucidate for the world the facts on the ground.
The solutions to this crisis is not difficult to envision. There is a way out. And that is through direct and immediate dialogue by Russia with the government of Ukraine, the immediate pullback of Russia's military forces, the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity and the urgent deployment of human rights monitors, not through more threats and more distortions.
Tonight, the OSCE will begin deploying monitoring to Ukraine. These monitors can provide neutral and needed assessments of the situation on the ground. There presence is urgently necessary in Crimea and in key cities in Ukraine.
The United States calls upon Russia to ensure that their access is not impeded.
The leadership in Moscow may well be unhappy about former President Yanukovych's decision to flee Ukraine and move in with them.
Russia may be displeased with the new government, which was approved by Ukraine's parliament by an overwhelming majority, including members of Yanukovych's own party.
Russia has every right to wish that events in Ukraine had turned out differently, but it does not have to the right to express that unhappiness by using military force or by trying to convince the world community that up is down and black is white.
Russia's calls to turn back time to implement the February 21 agreement ring hollow. It was Yanukovych who failed to abide by the terms of that agreement, fleeing Kiev and ultimately Ukraine.
The United States categorically rejects the notion that the government -- the new government of Ukraine is a government of victors.
It is a government of the people and it is one that intends to shepherd the country toward democratic elections on May 25th, election that would allow Ukrainians who would prefer different leadership to have their views heard. And the United States will stand strongly and proudly with the people of Ukraine as they chart out their own destiny, their own government, their own future.
The bottom line is that, for all of the self-serving rhetoric we have heard from Russian officials in recent days, there is nothing that justifies Russian conduct.
As I said in our last session, Russia's actions speak much louder than it is words. What is happening today is not a human-rights protection mission and it is not a consensual intervention.
What is happening today is a dangerous military intervention in Ukraine. It is an act of aggression. It must stop.
This is a choice for Russia. Diplomacy can serve Russia's interests.
The world is speaking out against the use of military threats and the use of force. Ukrainians must be allowed to determine their own destiny.
Thank you, Madam President.
COOPER: Strong statement by Samantha Power, the United States ambassador to the U.N., following right on the heels of a statement by Russia's ambassador to the U.N., Russian's ambassador essentially saying that Russian-speaking people, ethnic Russians are under a threat, are being attacked on the ground in Ukraine.
There's no evidence of that that any journalist has been able to see in Crimea or in eastern Ukraine, Ambassador Power point that out, as well as calling for international monitors on ground in Crimea to guarantee the rights of ethnic Russians on the ground in Crimea and elsewhere.
I want to bring in Chris Dickey, Mideast analyst for "The Daily Beast."
Chris, what do you make of the statements? Some incredible statements both by Samantha Power and by Russia's ambassador to the U.N.
CHRIS DICKEY, PARIS BUREAU/MIDEAST EDITOR, THE DAILY BEAST: Well, you know, the Russian's actions do speak a lot louder than their words, but their words are basically paving the way for more actions.
And the American statements really don't sound very impressive at all, because you don't see what actions will back them up.
You really don't see what the United States or NATO are likely to do in order to stop the Russians from basically pursing a course that was being laid out in that United Nation's speech.
They are saying that their people, the Russians, their compatriots are under attack in the Ukraine.
It doesn't matter if that's true. There is a relentless line of propaganda that's being put forth by the Russians that says that it's true, so they need to convince their only people of that and they really don't care what the Americans think.
And that then opens the way in the "Putin doctrine," which is a very dangerous thing, for them to move into eastern and southern Ukraine. And I think, basically, that was what was being laid out.
The only good news is that they go back to the February 21st accord and essentially are saying, if you put Yanukovych back in power, maybe we'll see our way to a different path.
But that's not going to happen, so it's all very, very dangerous, and the United States and NATO basically have not taken any position that Putin is likely to respect.
COOPER: And it seems to be getting more dangerous by the hour.
Chris Dickey, it's good to have you on. Sorry it's been so brief.
We -- that's it for our broadcast. I'll be back on "AC 360," tonight at 8:00, East Coast-time in the United States. I hope you join me for that.
For all of the latest developments and developments are moving very, very quickly. Indeed, I want to go to Jake Tapper now in Washington, anchor of "THE LEAD."
