The White House: Reports on a readout of a telephone call between President Obama and Chancellor Merkel of Germany, the subject was the Ukraine, " The President and Chancellor Merkel of Germany spoke today regarding their deep concern about the situation in eastern Ukraine. The President commended the government of Ukraine’s approach to today’s discussions in Geneva, where it put forward constructive proposals to expand local governance and ensure the rights of all Ukrainians are protected. The leaders stressed that Russia needs to take immediate, concrete actions to de-escalate the situation in eastern Ukraine, including by using its influence over the irregular forces in eastern Ukraine to get them to lay down their arms and leave the buildings they have seized. The President and the Chancellor agreed that the United States and Europe are prepared to take further measures if this de-escalation does not occur in short order. The leaders also stressed their support for Ukraine’s May 25 presidential elections. ".
Lets Get Real:
The readout of the call has a tone that suggests that neither the US or Germany TRUST the Russians when it comes to the Ukraine, they have been burned in the past by Russia, there is a difference between what Russia states and what it does, Putin is a skilled manipulator, he gets his Ministers to say what the West wants to hear then he does something else, as noted in his talk today the Russian President stated that he still had the authority to take action when it comes to a threat to Russians. This weekend is VERY important, will the pro Russian protesters give up the buildings they have taken, and give up their arms, will Russia keep its bear nose out of the Ukraine, we should know by Sunday.