The need for a political solution for the “civil” strife in Ukraine in order to end the bloodshed was underlined by Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Barack Obama during a telephone conversation they had.

The Kremlin’s announcement which verifies the information states that the two presidents noted the need to protect the rights of all Ukraine citizens, including Russian-speakers in the eastern parts of the country.

The White House stated that during the conversation, President Obama urged President Putin to agree to a peace accord.

Today, Russian president and Ukraine, Germany and French leaders are meeting in Minsk in order to try and find common ground for a peace deal.