According to a White House statement, the two leaders said
Russia still had not taken steps to de-escalate the situation in
eastern Ukraine a week after a Malaysian passenger jet was shot
down by what U.S. officials believe were pro-Russian separatists
using Russian weapons. All 298 people on board were killed.
"Instead of de-escalating the situation, they agreed that all
evidence indicates Russia is still arming and supplying
separatists who continue to engage in deadly acts of aggression
against Ukrainian armed forces," the White House said.
As a result, Obama and Rutte believe Russia must not be
permitted "to destabilize the situation in Ukraine without
incurring costs and that, accordingly, the international
community will need to enact additional sanctions."
Obama also spoke with Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott. The
White House said they agreed on the need for immediate access to
the crash site by international investigators.
(Reporting By Steve Holland; Editing by Paul Tait)
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