US to Continue National Emergency With Respect to Ukraine - White House

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — "The actions and policies of persons that undermine democratic processes and institutions in Ukraine; threaten its peace, security, stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity; and contribute to the misappropriation of its assets… continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States," the White House statement read.

The statement included the alleged actions and policies of the Russian government, "including its purported annexation of Crimea and its use of force in Ukraine," among the elements contributing to the threat.

Obama explained that as a result of Washington’s concerns, the administration saw it necessary to continue the national emergency through Executive Order 13660, announced on March 6, 2014, in accordance to the Emergency Economic Powers Act, for one more year.

Obama also said three other national emergencies the administration had declared in 2014 to deal with Russia’s reunification of Crimea would need to stay in effect "beyond" March 6, 2016.

In 2014, the United States alongside the European Union and some of their allies imposed a series of economic sanctions targeting key Russian sectors as well as a number of individuals and entities.

The West accuses Moscow of fueling the conflict in southeastern Ukraine and views Crimea's incorporation into Russia as a breach of international law.

Russia has repeatedly refuted the allegations of interference in Ukraine’s affairs, and has pointed out that Crimea held a popular referendum in which the vast majority of residents voted to rejoin Russia.

Moreover, Moscow has warned that the US and NATO amassing troops and military equipment along Russia’s borders are actual threats to regional and global security.