After meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in London, Secretary of State John Kerry said that neither the U.S. nor the international would recognize the outcome of Sunday's referendum in Crimea.
Russia, meanwhile, has said that the will of Crimea's citizens will determine their fate, and that differences remain between the two sides concerning the escalating tensions in Ukraine.
"As to the practical measures that foreign countries, foreign partners of Ukraine could take, we do not share a common view of the situation. Disagreements remain but, of course, the conversation was definitively use, so that we can better understand each other in this situation," Lavrov said.
"The Crimean parliament has adopted the declaration which stated the independence already and expressed the hope that the Crimeans will confirm that at the referendum," Lavrov added. The foreign minister said that the threat of possible international sanctions as "counterproductive," adding that Moscow has no intentions to send troops into Ukraine, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported.
Lavrov reiterated what President Putin has said in recent weeks: a Russian military intervention would protect those Russians who have been threatened in Crimea. Lavrov likened the situation to Kosovo.
Secretary Kerry had a different take.
"Foreign Minister Lavrov and I talked for a good six hours, and the conversation was very direct, very candid, frank, and I say constructive because we really dug into all of Russia's perceptions, their narrative, our narrative, our perceptions, and the differences between us," said Secretary Kerry.
"The foreign minister made it clear that President Putin is not prepared to make any decision regarding Ukraine until after the referendum on Sunday... We believe the referendum is contradictory to the constitution of Ukraine; it is contradictory to international law, it is in violation of that law, and we believe it is illegitimate," he added.
"If the referendum takes place there will be some sanctions. There will be some response, let me put it that way." Kerry warned that the referendum could constitute as a "backdoor annexation of Crimea."
Kerry also underscored the deep concern the U.S. has concerning the deployment of Russian troops in Crimea, and along the eastern borders of Russia. He spoke of concerns of 'hooliganism," which have been rampant in recent weeks by pro-Russian young agitators who had been fomenting violence.
On Thursday, the United Nations sought various avenues to try and de-escalate tensions, with senior human rights officials holding meetings, and the Security Council held its sixth urgent session on the Ukrainian crisis, UN News Centre reported.
The Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the UN requested the Council to convene urgently "due to the deterioration of the situation in the Autonomous Republic of the Crimea, Ukraine, which threatens the territorial integrity of Ukraine."
Stéphane Dujarric, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's spokesman, issued a readout of a meeting between the UN chief and Ukrainian Prime Minister Yatsenyuk and acting Foreign Minister, Andrii Deshchytsia.
"The Secretary-General expressed his increasing concern about developments in Ukraine, including his particular alarm at the rapidly evolving crisis in Crimea and reports of rising tensions in eastern Ukraine," the note read.
"He urged the Prime Minister and acting Foreign Minister not to relent on their efforts to engage in direct dialogue with Russia and commended their restraint thus far during this difficult time in Ukraine's history," according to the readout.
Ban "stressed the need for the Prime Minister to govern Ukraine in a spirit of inclusivity and to promote a country of unity and opportunity for all, including minorities."
The Security Council is scheduled to vote on a resolution on the situation in Ukraine on Saturday. The US had circulated a draft text to Council members on Thursday.
On Wednesday, President Barack Obama met with Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk at the White House.
"We will not recognize any referendum that goes forward," the president said, reaffirming the U.S.'s commitment to Ukraine.
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