President Barack Obama on Tuesday called Russian President Vladimir Putin to encourage him to use upcoming talks with Germany and France to bow peacefully out of Ukraine.
The telephone call came a day after Obama said he’s considering sending arms to Ukrainians fighting Russian-backed separatists and the White House said Obama warned Putin “the costs for Russia will rise” if it “continues its aggressive actions in Ukraine,” including sending troops, weapons and financing to support the separatists.
The White House says Obama called Putin to address escalating violence in eastern Ukraine, Russia’s ongoing support for separatists and U.S. support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Obama “underscored the rising human toll of the fighting” and underscored the importance of Putin “seizing the opportunity presented by the ongoing discussions between Russia, France, Germany, and Ukraine to reach a peaceful resolution.” Leaders of the countries are scheduled to meet Wednesday in Minsk to discuss a plan for a negotiated settlement.
The pair spoke as recently as last August with Obama calling his Russian counterpart to express “deep concerns” with what the White House said was Russia’ increased support of separatists in Ukraine.