Washington (CNN) -- It must have been at least a little satisfying Thursday for President Barack Obama. He had repeatedly warned Russian President Vladimir Putin against annexing Crimea from Ukraine, threatening tougher sanctions aimed at the Russian economy. Following the Russian parliament's vote to approve the annexation, Obama made a previously unscheduled appearance before TV cameras to essentially tell Putin: I told you I'd do it. "These are all choices that the Russian government has made, choices that have been rejected by the international community, as well as the government of Ukraine," Obama said. "And because of these choices, the United States is today moving, as we said we would, to impose additional costs on Russia."
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NEW: Finnish official says EU will sanction individuals, not companies
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Obama quickly announces new U.S. steps to take the lead on a global response
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U.S. official: Further escalation would bring "severe consequences" for Russia
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Sen. Landrieu calls counter-sanction against her by Russia a "badge of honor"
Obama and U.S. officials have made clear that the response to Russia will remain in the diplomatic and economic arenas, with one senior administration official essentially rejecting for now any direct U.S. effort to bolster @placeholder's military forces for a ground war.