Poroshenko, Trump concerned by escalation in Donbas, urge immediate ceasefire
KYIV. Feb 5 (Interfax) - During their telephone conversation Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and his United States counterpart Donald Trump paid particular attention to settling the situation in Donbas, the Ukrainian president's press office said.
"The parties expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the deteriorating humanitarian situation, primarily in Avdiivka. The countries' leaders noted the urgent need to ensure full ceasefire in place," according to a statement on the official site of the Ukrainian president.
The conversation between Trump and Poroshenko lasted for over an hour. Poroshenko's press secretary Sviatoslav Tseholko wrote on his Facebook page that the parties also "discussed the issue of strengthening the strategic Ukraine-U.S. partnership."
Poroshenko "thanked the U.S. leader for supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine," Tseholko said.
Furthermore, the parties discussed Poroshenko's future visit to Washington, to prepare for which the Ukrainian foreign minister will travel to the U.S.
In the protocol part of the conversation, Poroshenko congratulated Trump on his inauguration and urged a more active dialogue with the new U.S. administration on every level, Tseholko said.