In Light of Russian President's Statements, UN Issues Call

The United Nations has called on the parties involved in the Ukrainian conflict to take urgent steps to prevent escalation, stated UN Secretary-General's spokesman Stephane Dujarric during a press briefing.

"It is our wish that the parties take immediate actions to prevent escalation, refrain from striking civilian infrastructure or objects of critical importance to civilian infrastructure," he said.

It should be noted that President Putin has declared that Russia will respond decisively and in kind to escalation.