WASHINGTON, D.C.
U.S. President Barack Obama spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin Thursday after Washington announced a new wave of sanctions on key Russian entities on Wednesday.
During the Thursday morning call, Obama restated his commitment to a diplomatic resolution, and added that sanctions were not his preferred course of action, according to a readout of the call provided by the White House.
“President Obama noted, however, that in the face of extensive evidence that Russia is significantly increasing the provision of heavy weapons to separatists in Ukraine along with Russia’s failure to take other steps set out by the U.S. and Europe to de-escalate the crisis, it was necessary to impose additional sanctions,” the White House said.
The U.S. blacklisted key Russian entities Wednesday, included two Russian financial institutions, two energy firms, eight Russian arms firms, and four Russian government officials.
During Thursday's call, Obama voiced concerns over the buildup of Russian troops near the Ukraine border, and said Russia faces continued costs and isolation if it does not take steps to de-escalate the situation in Ukraine.
Putin brought up the early reports of a passenger aircraft 'shot down' near the Russia-Ukraine border.
The call was made at the behest of the Kremlin, said White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest while speaking to the press aboard Air Force One en route to the U.S. state of Delaware.
www.aa.com.tr/en
