Vice President Joe Biden spoke today with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko to discuss Ukraine’s financial and energy situation and developments in eastern Ukraine. The Vice President welcomed Ukraine’s declaration of a ceasefire on December 9, which President Poroshenko said had significantly reduced casualties over the past several days. President Poroshenko updated the Vice President on Ukraine’s financial situation and reaffirmed Kyiv’s commitment to continue implementing a robust program of reforms, including measures to combat corruption. The Vice President noted that the United States remains committed to working with international partners, including the International Monetary Fund, to ensure that Ukraine will have the macroeconomic support it needs as it implements its reform program. The leaders urged Russia to ensure that its separatist proxies cease blocking the delivery of humanitarian aid to conflict-affected regions of eastern Ukraine.