The United States said it was "encouraged" that Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in Normandy on Friday.
State Department Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf told reporters on Monday the US was also pleased that “Russia returned its ambassador to Ukraine for the inauguration [of Petro Poroshenko].”
“We would welcome President Putin’s comment that he will take action to secure the border between Russia and Ukraine more effectively to prevent the flow of armed fighters and weapons,” she stressed.
The US has “congratulated President Poroshenko on his inauguration and welcomes the commitments he’s made to increasingly work to secure his country.”
“I think now, we’re calling on Russia to follow up its words with actions,” she said.
