Obama and Merkel had a telephonic conversation to consult about the situation in eastern Ukraine.
"The leaders expressed their support for diplomatic efforts to pursue a sustainable ceasefire that would be respected by the separatists and fully supported by Russia," the White House said yesterday.
"They stressed that Russia must take immediate steps to de-escalate the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
The President and the Chancellor agreed that the United States and Europe should take further coordinated measures to impose costs on Russia if it does not take steps toward de-escalation in short order.
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Earlier in the day Vice President Joe Biden spoke with the Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko to discuss the latest situation in eastern Ukraine and diplomatic efforts to pursue a sustainable ceasefire that would be respected by the separatists and fully supported by Russia and would allow for the implementation of the peace plan laid out in Poroshenko's inaugural address.
"The Vice President underscored that the United States remained focused on Russia's actions, not its words.