Vladimir Putin calls Barack Obama, discuss Ukraine, IS, Iran: White House

Russian President Vladimir Putin with US President Barack Obama (file photo)

WASHINGTON (AP) The White House says Russian President Vladimir Putin called President Barack Obama and discussed continued tensions in eastern Ukraine and the fight against the Islamic State in the Middle East.

In a statement, the White House said the two leaders addressed continued bloodshed in Syria and agreed on the importance of unity among the six world powers that are negotiating to restrict Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

As for Ukraine, the White House said Obama told Putin that Russia needs to meet commitments it made in Minsk, Belarus, earlier this year, including the removal of troops and equipment from Ukrainian territory.

The call came on the same day NATO’s supreme allied commander cited a continuous flow of ammunition and other military supplies from Russia across the border to Ukraine.