The President spoke today with Chancellor Merkel of Germany regarding developments in Ukraine. The two leaders discussed their support for a robust package of international financing for Ukraine as it implements an ambitious series of reforms and noted the recent United States and European Union announcements of new financial assistance for Ukraine. They also expressed concern about the increase in separatist violence in eastern Ukraine and reiterated their agreement on the need for full and prompt implementation of the Minsk agreements in order to reach a lasting and peaceful resolution to the conflict.