WASHINGTON — Russian President Vladimir Putin called President Obama Friday and agreed to discuss a US proposal to resolve the crisis in Ukraine, the White House said.
The two leaders have had lengthy phone conversations since Russia grabbed control of Crimea, but have been unable to reach common ground.
In an unexpected shift in tone, the White House said Putin called the president Friday in Saudi Arabia “to discuss the US proposal for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis in Ukraine.”
Obama suggested that Russia “put a concrete response in writing” so both proposals could be discussed in a meeting between Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Obama also “urged Russia to support this process and avoid further provocations, including the buildup of forces on its border with Ukraine,” the White House said.
But the Kremlin issued a statement with a starkly different emphasis.
It said Putin expressed concern that Ukraine’s government is allowing “extremists” to intimidate Russian-speaking civilians with impunity.
“In light of this, the president of Russia suggested examining possible steps the global community can take to help stabilize the situation. The two presidents agreed that specific parameters for this joint work will be discussed by the Russian and US foreign ministers in the near future,” the Kremlin said.
Putin further complained that the Transnistria region of Moldova is experiencing a blockade “which significantly complicates the living conditions for the region’s residents.”
US officials have warned that Transnistria might be Russia’s next takeover target.
Before speaking with Putin, Obama suggested in a TV interview that Russia might be getting ready to expand its land grab in Ukraine.
“You’ve seen a range of troops massing along that border under the guise of military exercises,” Obama told CBS News
“But these are not what Russia would normally be doing,” noted the president.
The United States has slapped two rounds of sanctions on a Russian bank and Putin “cronies,” while the European Union has leveled its own sanctions.