New EU council chief Donald Tusk, who has recently assumed his duties, primarily had a telephone call with the President of the United States Barack Obama. In a conversation the new chairman pointed out the shared concerns on sanctions against Russia. The parties noted some progress in chosen strategy of economic blockade and agreed to continue working together closely. Politicians plan to coordinate future restrictions and confirmed their further intention to provide financial support to Ukraine. The allies realize "how important it is for Russia to withdraw its troops from eastern Ukraine, to stop supplying troops and equipment, to assume effective control of the border and to the allow OSCE to fulfill its mission," Donald Tusk said at the meeting with journalists. The U.S. and the European Union agreed to keep a steady course related to sanctions until Moscow started to fulfill agreements reached in Minsk. Besides, agents of the parties confirmed their readiness to toughen present sanctions or to impose new ones if required.
