Obama In Brussels: 'Russia Stands Alone'

March 26, 2014

U.S. President Barack Obama, center, shakes hands with EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy, right, and EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, left, prior to an EU-US summit meeting at the EU Council building in Brussels on Wednesday, March 26, 2014. Obama is on a one day trip to Belgium to meet EU officials and visit the WWI Flanders Field Cemetery. (AP)

President Barack Obama spoke at a joint US-EU press conference in Brussels today, where he pledged ongoing support for Europe and the European Union. It's just the first part of his continuing global diplomatic tour this week, but we caught up with CBS News chief White House Correspondent Major Garrett from the sidelines of the press conference during our March 26 hour on the West's growing conflict with Russia, where he explained just what exactly the President and his European counterparts hoped to accomplish with their statements.

"You get the impression that Europe is looking at Crimea, knows it can't change the situation on the ground, and is essentially warning Russia not to escalate this crisis," Garrett said.

"The Europeans and the United States thought they had a rough understanding with Russia," Garrett said. "They are very nervous."

Is the President right to make bold statements without any possible threat of military consequence against Russia? Will Russia back down here, or keep moving west?
Let us know in the comments below, or on Facebook, Tumblr and @OnPointRadio.

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