▲ Secretary of State Tony Blincoln
US Secretary of State Tony Blincoln reiterated the possibility of broader and stronger sanctions, as well as economic and financial sanctions against Russia in relation to the escalating military crisis along the Ukraine border.
"We strongly hope that Russia will take the path of diplomatic dialogue, but if it does not, we are prepared," Blincoln told MSNBC, warning that "there will be huge consequences."
"I'm not going to disclose the plan ahead of time, but if it results in something like this, it's going to be with all the democracies," he said. "He said.
"At the same time, if necessary, we are also considering strengthening the defense of the Ukrainian border area, including NATO forces," he added.
"This issue goes beyond Ukraine," he said, adding that "it is a basic principle of international peace and security that no country can dictate its neighbor by force, and that no new borders can be drawn by force."
"If we ignore this without punishment, it will undermine the foundations of the international community and other countries will do the same," Blincoln said.
(Photo = Getty Images Korea)