Obama And Putin Speak

President Obama told Vladimir Putin that the flow of arms to Ukraine separatists have to stop or there will be additional sanctions.

The Kremlin said that Putin backs Ukraine’s call for a ceasefire, but ultimate peace requires “ending (Ukraine) military actions and starting direct talks between the conflicting sides.”

Obama and Putin have clashed over Russian activity in Ukraine, including its annexation of the Crimea region. The United States has accused Putin’s government of fomenting separatist violence in eastern and southern Ukraine.

Putin, meanwhile, has said he is protecting the interests of ethnic Russians living in Ukraine.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Obama urged the Russian leader to stop supporting pro-Russian separatists who are committing violence in eastern and southern Ukraine, and to cut off a flow of arms to various groups.

“Though we believe a diplomatic solution is still possible, Russia will face additional costs if we do not see concrete actions to deescalate the situation,” Earnest said.

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.