week in the united nations security council come to pass. a major increase in military provocations and falsifying events along the line of contact in the donbas. dramatically staged venal on camera meeting of putin's security council to grandstand for the russian public. and now political provocation of recognizing sovereign ukrainian territory in so-called independent republics in clear violation, again, of international law. president putin has sought authorization from the russian parliament to use military force outside of russian territory. and this set the stage for further pretext, further provocations by russia to try to justify further military action. none of us, none of us should be fooled. none of us will be fooled. there is no justification. further russian assault in ukraine remains a severe threat in the days ahead. if russia proceeds, it is russia