Ukraine is ready to use military force to defend itself if Russia moves any further onto Ukrainian soil, Ukraine’s new prime minister warned on Thursday.

“We still believe that we can solve it in a peaceful manner, Primr Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk told a news conference in Brussels following talks with European Union leaders.

“In case of further escalation and military intervention into the Ukrainian territory by foreign forces, the Ukrainian government and Ukrainian military will act in accordance with the constitution and laws. We are ready to protect our country,” Yatsenyuk added.