Once again, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his U.S. counterpart, Secretary of State John Kerry, are meeting over another divisive issue: Ukraine.

The two are in Rome for a conference.

Their meeting comes as President Barack Obama announces new actions against those responsible for the escalation of events in Ukraine, including troop movements in Crimea.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN KERRY SAYING:

"Starting today, at President Obama's direction, the State Department is putting in place tough visa restrictions on a number of officials and other individuals. And the United States will not grant visas to those who threaten the territorial sovereignty and integrity of Ukraine, and if they already have one, it will be revoked."

In addition, the Treasury Department is issuing economic sanctions against those same individuals.

Russia has repeatedly denied responsibility for troops in Crimea, calling the soldiers members of se