Obama phones Putin on escalating violence in Ukraine

US President Barack Obama discussed on Tuesday in a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin the escalating violence in eastern Ukraine and Russia's ongoing support for the separatists there.
President Obama reiterated America's support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and underlined the rising human toll of the fighting and underscored the importance of President Putin seizing the opportunity presented by the ongoing discussions between Russia, France, Germany, and Ukraine to reach a peaceful resolution, the White House said in a statement.
The President emphasized the importance of reaching and implementing a negotiated settlement underpinned by the commitments in the Minsk agreement.
However, if Russia continues its aggressive actions in Ukraine, including by sending troops, weapons, and financing to support the separatists, the costs for Russia will rise.
Meanwhile, the US expressed concern over continued violence from the Russian backed separatists in and around Debaltseve and rocket attacks on the Ukrainian town of Kramatorsk that has reportedly killed seven and injured 20.
"We call on Russia and the separatists it backs to halt the fighting, implement their commitments under the Minsk Agreement," said State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki to reporters.
The US expressed further support that leaders of Russia, Ukraine, Germany, and France will meet in Belarus tomorrow to discuss a peace plan for eastern Ukraine.
"We will be coordinating closely and tracking closely what happens," asserted Psaki.