Poroshenko and Tillerson discussed peacekeeping mission in the Donbas
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko’s and United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson conducted a telephone conversation, as reported on the web site of the Ukrainian President.
"Both sides expressed satisfaction with the implementation of the agreements reached between the presidents of Ukraine and the US during their meeting in New York. Poroshenko thanked Tillerson for Ukraine's support during the ongoing Russian aggression," the report says.
The interlocutors coordinated further steps for the deployment of the UN international mission in the Donbas, including an uncontrolled area of the Ukrainian-Russian border.
Poroshenko also noted the importance of sanctions against Russia and the leadership of the US on this issue, noting that "only in this way can the aggressor be forced to return to the mainstream of international law with respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of independent states."
Poroshenko and Tillerson paid special attention to the issue of the release of Ukrainian prisoners who are illegally detained in the Donbas and in Russian prisons.
The interlocutors also noted the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the United States.
The issue of Ukraine's progress towards reforms was discussed separately. In particular, the importance of medical, educational, pension and anti-corruption reforms was noted.
Tillerson also announced the appointment of A. Wess Mitchell as the United States Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs and his plans to visit Ukraine in November.
Tillerson has recently devoted some time to the matter of Ukraine and Russia. As recently as October 10, he discussed the situation in Ukraine with the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergei Lavrov.