U.S. president Barack Obama and Russian president Vlaidmir Putin had a phone conversation on Thutrsday duirng which Obama emphasized that Russia’s actions are in violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

President Obama indicated that there is a way to resolve the situation diplomatically, which addresses the interests of Russia, the people of Ukraine, and the international community. He indicated that Secretary Kerry would continue discussions with Foreign Minister Lavrov, the government of  Ukraine, and other international partners in the days to come to advance those objectives, White House said in a statement.

Accoridng to the Kremlin's statement, Putin noted that the current Ukrainian government, which came to power as the result of an unconstitutional coup and was not supported by a nationwide mandate, is imposing entirely illegitimate decisions onto Crimea and the eastern and southeastern regions of Ukraine.

"The President of Russia stressed the paramount importance of Russian-US relations for ensuring stability and security in the world. These relations should not be sacrificed due to disagreements on individual international issues, even if they are very significant," the statement reads.