Biden, Poroshenko discuss financial, energy situation in Ukraine

Vice President Joe Biden spoke with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Monday to discuss Ukraine's financial and energy situation and developments in eastern Ukraine, the Office of the Vice President announced.
Biden welcomed Ukraine's declaration of a cease-fire on Dec. 9, which Poroshenko said had significantly reduced casualties over the past several days, the announcement said.
Poroshenko updated Biden on Ukraine's financial situation and reaffirmed Kiev's commitment to continue implementing a robust program of reforms, including measures to combat corruption, the statement said.
The Vice President noted that the United States remains committed to working with international partners, including the International Monetary Fund, to ensure that Ukraine will have the macroeconomic support it needs as it implements its reform program, the statement said. The two urged Russia to ensure that its separatist proxies cease blocking the delivery of humanitarian aid to conflict-affected regions of eastern Ukraine, it said.