The Vice President spoke both yesterday and again today with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko regarding the security situation in eastern Ukraine, where militants coming from Russian territory have taken control of parts of the Russian-Ukrainian border. The Vice President applauded President Poroshenko’s commitment to implementing the peace plan he presented in his inaugural address on June 7th, and underscored that de-escalation depends on Russia’s recognizing President Poroshenko as the legitimate leader of Ukraine, ceasing support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, and stopping the provision of arms and materiel across the border. President Poroshenko confirmed his offer that if the separatists disarmed and vacated the buildings they presently occupy, the Ukrainian government was prepared to grant amnesty within Ukraine or safe passage back to Russia. Finally, the Vice President expressed his strong support for the trilateral discussions between Ukraine, Russia and OSCE Special Representative Heidi Tagliavini.