Obama and Germany’s Merkel Discuss Ukraine: Reuters

Title: Obama and Merkel Discussing Pressure on Russia Over Ukraine Conflict

Date: WASHINGTON

President Barack Obama held a phone conversation on Friday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, during which they agreed on the necessity of maintaining pressure on Russia to alleviate the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, with the potential for increased economic sanctions if progress is not made.

The United States and the European Union have warned of escalating sanctions against the Russian economy unless Moscow takes action to rein in pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine who are engaged in combat against the Ukrainian government. Russia has consistently denied any support for these separatists.

In addition, a White House statement indicated that Obama and Merkel are in favor of diplomatic initiatives aimed at establishing a new ceasefire in eastern Ukraine.

"They emphasized that Russia must take immediate steps to de-escalate the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The president and the chancellor concurred that the United States and Europe should pursue further coordinated actions to impose consequences on Russia if it does not take timely steps toward de-escalation," the White House noted.

(Reporting by Steve Holland; Editing by Ken Wills)