Vice President Biden spoke today with Ukrainian President Poroshenko about the Ukrainian government’s efforts to resolve the crisis in the eastern part of the country. The Vice President offered his condolences for the tragic loss of life of Ukrainian service members over the last week. He commended President Poroshenko’s commitment to move ahead with his peace plan, and for further steps taken to unify the country and work towards a better, more prosperous future for all of Ukraine. The Vice President underscored that G-7 Leaders have clearly called for Russia to stop the flow of weapons and militants across the border and to exercise its influence among the separatists to lay down their weapons and renounce violence, both of which Russia has thus far failed to do. The Vice President noted that the United States would work with our partners to impose further costs on Russia if it continued on its current course. The two leaders pledged to stay in touch in the run-up to the European Union leaders meeting on June 27.