Obama and Merkel agree to hold Russia to account for escalating Donbas conflict

REUTERS

Speaking by phone, the two leaders both expressed concern about the significant increase in the fighting in eastern Ukraine.

Obama and Merkel also discussed the importance of the final reliable financial support package for Ukraine.

The leaders spoke by phone as Obama was returning to the United States after his visit to India and Saudi Arabia. His plane landed to refuel at a U.S. base in Germany.