Readout of the Vice President's Call with Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk

Vice President Joe Biden spoke today with Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk to discuss the situation in eastern Ukraine and Ukraine's reform agenda. The Vice President congratulated the Prime Minister on a successful international reform conference and encouraged Ukraine to continue implementing economic and rule of law reforms to improve the business climate and attract investment. Regarding the security situation in eastern Ukraine, the two leaders called on Russia to fulfill its commitments under the Minsk agreements, including the withdrawal of all heavy weapons and foreign fighters; the release of all prisoners in Russian custody; and allowing Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe election monitors to begin preparations for local elections as provided for in the February Minsk Implementation Plan.