U.S. Department of State urges all parties to avoid escalation in Crimea region

The U.S. calls on all concerned parties to avoid actions that could increase tension in the Crimea region, the U.S. Department of State spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau has said.

"We call for the avoidance of any actions that would escalate the situation there," Trudeau said at a briefing on Thursday.

According to Trudeau, "we believe now is the time to reduce the tensions, reduce the rhetoric, and get back to talks."

Commenting on strengthening the combat readiness of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, she stressed that Kyiv has the right to defend its territory.