Putin Says Russia Doesn’t Want Ukraine Split After Crimea

Western leaders condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s push to annex Crimea and promised further sanctions as early as this week, ratcheting up pressure in the biggest diplomatic crisis since the Cold War.

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, in Poland to meet regional allies, predicted “additional sanctions” over what he called “a brazen military incursion.” In London, British Prime Minister David Cameron vowed to push European leaders to agree on further measures against Russia when they meet March 20. The death of a Ukrainian soldier in Crimea in clashes as masked gunmen seized a military installation will add urgency to their deliberations.