Trump and Ukrainian President's Phone Conversation: 'We Will Help Establish Peace at the Borders'

The President of the United States, during a phone conversation with his counterpart in Kyiv, stated, 'With the cooperation of Ukraine, Russia, and other involved parties, we will help establish peace at the borders (of Ukraine and Russia).' According to a statement issued by the White House on February 5, the leaders of the two countries discussed the possibility of a meeting in the near future. Petro Poroshenko, the President of Ukraine, and Donald Trump also talked about 'Libya,' 'the movement of refugees and migrants towards Europe,' and 'the G7 summit in Italy' in May, which Mr. Trump is set to attend. The White House statement indicates that the leaders agreed to continue joint efforts to combat the group known as the Islamic State and other terrorist organizations. In a statement issued by the Office of the President of Ukraine, it was noted that both sides emphasized the necessity of an immediate and complete ceasefire in the region. According to this statement, Mr. Poroshenko thanked the U.S. President for his 'strong support for the territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine.' This phone conversation took place amid reports of increasing violence at the Ukraine-Russia borders. In just the past week, at least 35 people have been killed in clashes between Ukrainian military forces and separatist militants supported by Moscow. According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Kyiv officials have expressed concern about the potential lifting of sanctions against Russia, which were imposed due to the annexation of Crimea and support for militants. Donald Trump has expressed hope on several occasions that relations between Moscow and Washington will improve. The phone conversation between him and Poroshenko comes a week after his phone call with Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia. Previously, on February 3, Nikki Haley, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, criticized Russia in her first Security Council meeting, emphasizing that sanctions against Moscow would not be lifted until it returns Crimea to Ukraine. In response to these remarks, the Russian Ambassador to the UN rejected Ms. Haley's statements, asserting that 'considering the subject matter and the events surrounding it, [Nikki Haley's comments] were sufficiently friendly.' Since the escalation of conflict and crisis at the Ukraine-Russia border nearly three years ago, at least 9,800 people have been killed.