US vice president Biden speaks with Ukrainian president Yanukovych

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden telephoned Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych Tuesday to express his concern regarding the crisis on the streets of Kiev.According to a statement from the White House, Biden called on Yanukovych to pull back government forces and to exercise maximum restraint.“The Vice President made clear that the United States condemns violence by any side, but that the government bears special responsibility to de-escalate the situation,” the White House said in the statement. “The Vice President further underscored the urgency of immediate dialogue with opposition leaders to address protesters’ legitimate grievances and to put forward serious proposals for political reform.”“The United States is committed to supporting efforts to promote a peaceful resolution to the crisis that reflects the will and aspirations of the Ukrainian people,” the White House said.