Obama, Kerry Call Russian and Ukrainian Presidents - East Idaho News
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Obama, Kerry Call Russian and Ukrainian Presidents

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WH 8114 ObamaPhone?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1406917766273Official White House Photo by Pete Souza(WASHINGTON) — Telephone diplomacy is underway between the West Wing and the Kremlin.  

While Vice President Joe Biden telephoned Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Friday, offering more equipment to secure his country’s border with Russia, President Obama had some words over the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

During the call, Obama repeated his complaint that Russia is sending heavy weapons into the hands of violent separatists and, the White House says, chided Russia for violating a ban on midrange nuclear missiles.

Here is the White House’s full readout of the call:

“President Obama spoke today with Russian President Putin about the situation in Ukraine and the bilateral relationship.  The President reiterated his deep concerns about Russia’s increased support for the separatists in Ukraine.  The President reinforced his preference for a diplomatic solution to the crisis in Ukraine, and the two leaders agreed to keep open their channels of communication.  The President also reiterated his concerns about Russia’s compliance with its obligations under the INF Treaty.”


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