WASHINGTON D.C.
US Secretary of State John Kerry has expressed his "strong concern" about the ongoing flow of heavy weaponry and militants crossing the Ukrainian border from Russia to senior figures in Ukraine and Moscow.
Kerry told Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on his concerns on Saturday and urged him to make clear Russia's commitment to a de-escalation of violence and to peace by ending support to separatists, and actively working with Ukraine for a ceasefire, amnesty and political dialogue.
He also called for a fair and equitable settlement of the gas dispute between Russia and Ukraine.
Russia sanctions
During a phone call with Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseny Yatsenyuk, Kerry expressed his condolences for the loss of 49 military personnel when a Ukrainian transport plane was shot down by Russian-supported separatists overnight.
Kerry also emphasized the support of the US for Ukraine’s commitment to defending its border and for Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko’s "peace plan".
He underscored the commitment of the United States and G7 partners to raise the costs for Russia if it does not end the flow of weapons across the border and break with separatists.
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