Readout of the President’s Call with President Hollande of France

President Obama spoke with French President Hollande today about the worsening situation in eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russian separatists, seemingly with support and coordination from Moscow, have intensified their campaign to undermine and destabilize the Ukrainian government.  The leaders underscored that Russia will face significant additional costs if it continues this behavior.  President Obama noted that the government of Ukraine has acted with great restraint and praised the Ukrainian government’s efforts to unify the country by holding free and fair presidential elections on May 25 and pursuing an inclusive constitutional reform process.  The two leaders also discussed ongoing cooperation in our bilateral relationship.