Obama, Putin speak by phone; Obama urges Russian leader to stop backing separatists in Ukraine
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop supporting pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine and the flow of arms across the border.
Obama and Putin spoke by telephone on Monday. White House spokesman Josh Earnest says Obama urged Putin to use his personal influence with those separatists to promote peace and stability in Ukraine. He says a diplomatic solution is still possible but Russia will face additional costs if it does not take concrete action.
Earnest says the United States is very supportive of new Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. He says Poroshenko is, quote, “willing to go the extra mile.”
The calls comes as insurgents in eastern Ukraine are promising to honour a cease-fire declared by Poroshenko and engage in more talks to help resolve the deadly conflict.
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