Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and U.S. President Donald J. Trump talked by phone about the need for an “immediate” cease-fire in Russia’s war against Ukraine, according to a statement by Poroshenko posted on his official website early Feb. 5.
However, no mention was made of whether Trump promised to keep economic sanctions in place against Russia and no mention was made from either side on whether the U.S. will supply Ukraine with defensive weapons to prevail against Russia’s nearly three-year-old war.
“Particular attention was paid to the settlement of the situation in Donbas and to achieving peace by political and diplomatic means,” the statement said. “The two leaders expressed deep concern about the spike in tension and deterioration of humanitarian situation, especially in the area of Avdiivka. They stressed on the need for establishing immediate cease-fire regime.”
According to the White House readout, Trump said: “We will work with Ukraine, Russia, and all other parties involved to help them restore peace along the border.”
Additionally, Poroshenko thanked Trump for America’s “firm support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” and “highlighted the need to intensify economic and business ties in order to assist in creating new employment opportunities and boosting the welfare of citizens of both countries.”
Poroshenko will visit Washington, D.C., later this month, and the White House readout noted the “potential for a meeting in the near future.”
The Poroshenko statement is here.
