U.S., Ukraine say Russia sanctions should be kept in place until full implementation of Minsk agreement

Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko has held a phone conversation with U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden, during which they discussed the implementation of Minsk agreements and the international sanctions against Russia.

"The U.S. Vice President confirmed the willingness of the United States to continue working for the full implementation of the Minsk agreements and restoration of the territorial integrity of Ukraine. The parties agreed on the necessity of preserving the existing international sanctions for the achievement of the above-mentioned goals," reads a statement posted on the website of the Ukrainian president.

During the conversation, Poroshenko briefed Biden about the situation in Donbas and stressed the necessity of full implementation of the Minsk agreements by Russia and pro-Russian militants, particularly in the context of liberation of hostages, withdrawal of occupation troops and provision of access to the OSCE to the entire territory of the occupied Donbas, as well as to the state border of Ukraine.

Poroshenko also spoke about the results of the local elections in Ukraine on October 25.

The head of state thanked the U.S. for its consistent political support, humanitarian, financial and military assistance and its help in the implementation of reforms, including those related to the fight against corruption.