US President Barack Obama denounced Russian aggression in Europe at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, but said Washington would lift sanctions if Moscow changes course.
"Russian aggression in Europe recalls the days when large nations trampled small ones in pursuit of territorial ambition," Obama said, adding that a recent ceasefire agreement in Ukraine offers an opening towards diplomacy and peace.
"If Russia takes that path -- a path that for stretches of the post-Cold War period resulted in prosperity for the Russian people -- then we will lift our sanctions and welcome Russia's role in addressing common challenges."