In a phone conversation with interim Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseny Yatsenyuk who was assigned by the Verkhovna Rada, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev expressed Russia’s interest in preserving stable and friendly relations with Ukraine.
It was also noted that Russia reserves the right to protect the legal interests of its citizens and military personnel quartered in Crimea. The Russian Armed Forces, if necessary, are allowed to take action within the mandate given to the President by the Federation Council of the Russian Federal Assembly.
Also during the conversation, Dmitry Medvedev pointed out that the Ukrainian officials may be held liable if a resolution is passed on using force against Russian nationals.
