Ukrainian and US presidents discuss situation in Donbass

President of the United States Barack Obama and Ukraine Petro Poroshenko have discussed in a telephone conversation the situation in Donbass. They stressed the necessity of a ceasefire and peaceful settlement based on the Minsk agreements.

As the press office of the Ukrainian leader informs, Obama said he was sorry for the Ukrainian citizens killed and rendered his support for the peace negotiations.

The counterparts also expressed hope for progress at a planned meeting of the Norman Format in Minsk and gave a high assessment of the effort taken by the leaders of Germany and France. The presidents called it necessary for Russia to fulfill its obligations under the Minsk agreements.

Obama expressed US readiness to support Ukraine further in the process of seeking financial aid from international partners and international financial institutions to implement needed reforms.

The presidents agreed to coordinate further steps after the Norman Four meeting in Minsk planned for February 11.