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WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden is welcoming plans by the Ukrainian government to pass legislation next week to help stabilize the country's economy.
The White House says Biden expressed his approval during a conversation Saturday with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko (por-oh-SHEHN'-koh).
They also discussed the situation in eastern Ukraine, with Poroshenko informing Biden of continued shelling by Russian-backed separatists in the vicinity of Donetsk and Mariupol in violation of peace agreements. Poroshenko also reported on additional casualties among Ukrainian forces.
The leaders also reviewed the inability of international monitors to verify that Russia has pulled back its heavy weapons from the front lines.
The measure due for a vote was developed with the International Monetary Fund. It will help stabilize Ukraine's economy and hasten the disbursement of international financing.
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