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06:03 GMT
WASHINGTON, Jan 28 (KUNA) -- US President Barack Obama spoke with German Chancellor Angela Merkel late on Tuesday about the continuing violence in Ukraine between the country's army and Russian-backed separatists, the White House said in a statement.
"The two leaders expressed concern about the significant increase in violence in eastern Ukraine and Russia's materiel support for the separatists and its failure to fulfill its commitment under the Minsk Agreement, and they agreed on the need to hold Russia accountable for its actions," the statement affirmed.
"They also agreed on the importance of finalizing a robust package of financial support for Ukraine to enable it to stabilize its economy as it continues to implement reforms that will lay the groundwork for a return to growth and prosperity," it said.
Obama made the call to Merkel while Air Force One was in Germany for refueling, following the departure from Riyadh. (end)
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