President Obama's Trip To Europe Will Be Dominated By Ukraine

U.S. President Barack Obama departs Joint Base Andrews in Washington March 23, 2014. Credit: Reuters/Kevin Lamarque

Obama Trip To Europe Dominated By Ukraine Crisis -- Reuters

(Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama takes his hard line on Russia to Europe this week and will see how far European allies are willing to go to stop Moscow from moving deeper into Ukraine after annexing Crimea.

Obama departed Washington on Sunday night for the Netherlands, his first stop on a four-nation trip that will include visits to Belgium, Italy and Saudi Arabia.

In talks on Monday at The Hague with fellow leaders of the Group of Seven industrial democracies, Obama faces a test on whether he can bring along European allies to increase the pressure on Russia.

He has threatened U.S. sanctions against key sectors of the Russian economy. European allies have far closer economic ties to Russia than the United States and their still-fragile economies could face a backlash by getting tough with Moscow.

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My Comment: I do not agree with the Reuter's post that the U.S. has taken a hard line on Russia .... and I certainly do not agree with the Reuter's report that the sanctions that the White House has implemented are harsh. But there is no question about one thing .... President Obama's trip to Europe will be dominated by Ukraine.