Obama, Poroshenko discuss situation east Ukraine

President Barack Obama spoke on Tuesday with President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine regarding the situation in eastern Ukraine and the current talks on a cease-fire and peace deal, the White House announced.
"The President expressed his condolences for the continuing loss of life of Ukrainian citizens and his strong support for the current peace negotiations," the announcement said. "Both the President and President Poroshenko praised the contributions of Germany and France in this effort to achieve a sustainable, peaceful resolution to the conflict." They also agreed on the need for Russia to abide by the commitments it made in Minsk, Belarus, last September, which should remain the basis for a negotiated settlement, the statement said.
Obama "underlined the commitment of the United States to work with our international partners to provide the financial support Ukraine needs as it continues to undertake essential reforms," it said.