Obama warns Putin of new 'costs' for Russia stance on Ukraine

New volunteer recruits of the Ukrainian army 'Azov' battalion take part in a military oath ceremony of the National Guard near the Novi Petrivtsi village not far from Kiev, on June 23, 2014. US President Barack Obama on Monday warned Vladimir Pu
New volunteer recruits of the Ukrainian army 'Azov' battalion take part in a military oath ceremony of the National Guard near the Novi Petrivtsi village not far from Kiev, on June 23, 2014. US President Barack Obama on Monday warned Vladimir Putin that Russia would face new sanctions if it failed to both stop the flow of weapons into Ukraine and halt support for separatists. -- PHOTO: AFP

WASHINGTON (AFP) - US President Barack Obama on Monday warned Vladimir Putin that Russia would face new sanctions if it failed to both stop the flow of weapons into Ukraine and halt support for separatists.

The White House said that Mr Obama delivered the warning in a telephone call with the Russian leader, in which he called for "concrete actions" by Moscow to de-escalate the situation.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Mr Obama used the call to drive home consistent US and Western warnings on Ukraine - that Russia must stop supporting separatists in the east of the country and stop the flow of weapons across the border.

"Though we believe a diplomatic solution is still possible, Russia will face additional costs if we do not see concrete actions to de-escalate the situation," said Mr Earnest.

The Kremlin said in its own statement about the call that Mr Putin stressed the need for a true ceasefire in Ukraine and direct talks for the warring parties.

It was the first time that Mr Putin and Mr Obama had spoken since they met at D-Day 70th anniversary celebrations in Normandy, France on June 6.

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