Poroshenko, Biden Discuss Counter-Measures if Tensions in Donbass Escalate

Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko and US Vice President Joseph Biden discussed further measures if the hostilities in Ukraine’s east intensify during a phone conversation on Friday, a statement on the president’s website said.

KIEV (Sputnik) — The interlocutors also discussed the allocation of military and technical assistance to Ukraine army by the United States.

Poroshenko also thanked Washington for its position voiced during the G7 summit in Germany on the possible prolongation of sanctions against Russia if it "would further violate the Minsk agreements."

"The parties have discussed the importance of determining the next steps and measures in case of further escalation in Donbass," the statement read.

Since Kiev launched a military offense against the independence supporters of Donbass in April 2014, the United States and its allies have repeatedly claimed that Russia was responsible for the escalation of situation in Ukraine.

Western leaders imposed several rounds of sanctions against Russia in 2014 over its alleged involvement in eastern Ukrainian conflict, which Moscow has firmly denied.

Both the United States and the European Union have made the duration of sanctions dependent on the full implementation of the February Minsk agreements on Ukraine reconciliation by the warring parties.

Moscow has firmly refuted the allegations as groundless.