Insurgents in eastern Ukraine said Monday they would agree to a cease-fire declared by that country's president to help resolve the conflict in the region.
Alexander Borodai, the prime minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, took part in Monday's talks and said the rebels would respect the cease-fire declared by President Petro Poroshenko.
"The movement of troops in the republic will also stop, as will the use of fire power," Borodai announced.
The cease-fire is set to expire Friday.
According to a statement from the White House, President Obama spoke with Russian President Vladimir and said he welcomed Poroshenko's plan.
"The President emphasized...that the United States remains prepared to impose additional sanctions should circumstances warrant, in coordination with our allies and partners," the statement read.
Ukraine has accused Russia of supporting the insurgency by providing troops and weapons across the border. The Kremlin has denied the accusations.
IN-DEPTH
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Pro-Russian Rebels in Ukraine Agree to Cease-Fire (The New York Times)
SOCIAL
—Albina Kovalyova
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
