German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Barrack Obama.
Photo: Charles Dharapak, AP
(VOVworld) - President Obama spoke by telephone with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday about more international aid for Ukraine, the White House said. The two leaders discussed their support for a robust package of international financing for Ukraine as it implements an ambitious series of reforms. President Obama pledged to give Ukraine 2 billion USD in 2015. During their phone conversation, Obama and Merkel expressed concern about the increase in separatist violence in eastern Ukraine. The leaders reiterated their agreement on the need for full and prompt implementation of the Minsk agreements in order to reach a lasting and peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The Contact Group on Ukraine held a preparatory meeting in Kiev on Thursday and is waiting for all parties to the negotiations to confirm their attendance at the next round of talks in Minsk, according to a statement circulated by the OSCE.