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21:34 GMT
WASHINGTON, July 28 (KUNA) -- President Barack Obama discussed, in a teleconference on Monday with leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy, the need for unrestricted access to the site of the Malaysia Air Flight MH17 crash and further sanctions on Russia.
"They agreed on the importance of coordinated sanctions measures on Russia for its continued transfer of arms, equipment and fighters into eastern Ukraine, including since the crash, and to press Russia to end its efforts to destabilize the country and instead choose a diplomatic path to resolving the crisis," Deputy National Security Advisor Tony Blinken told reporters.
"Ukrainian forces are right now making major gains to regain sovereignty in the east, but at the same time Russia is doubling down on its own efforts to support the separatists and destabilize the country," Blinken stressed.
Ukraine is experiencing a drag in their economy due to the military funds they are spending.
"Luhansk and Donetsk, which represent 15 percent of Ukrainian GDP and about 25 percent of its manufacturing exports, are basically taken out of the Ukrainian economic equation is also a drag on the economy," Blinked noted.
In terms of sanctions he affirmed: "In turn and in full coordination with Europe, the United States will implement additional measures itself. Our purpose here again is not to punish Russia but to make clear that it must cease its support for the separatists and stop destabilizing Ukraine."
State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki echoed Blinken in a briefing, saying: "We expect the Europeans to put in place more sanctions soon."
"Obviously, we have taken additional steps prior to this week that they have not yet. So certainly we're acting in lockstep," she said.
Blinken believes that for Russia and President Vladimir Putin, "power equals a combination of geopolitical influence and economic strength to provide for the Russian people."
"There is a way out, integrate Russia with the international economy, diversify away from fossil fuels, and play by the rules. That is still on offer," he asserted. (end)
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