President Barroso's phone call with President Putin
President Barroso spoke on the phone with President Putin to discuss the current political-security situation in Ukraine
President Barroso recalled the EU positions, namely the need for a de-escalation and the importance of a cease fire. He also urged the disarmament of separatist groups, a halt to the flow of arms and illegal fighters into Ukraine and the repeal of the law approved by the Duma's Federation Council.
President Barroso and President Putin also assessed the ongoing gas talks mediated by the European Commission. President Barroso expressed the hope that both sides can make additional efforts to reach a lasting agreement on the basis of the options established by the European Commission.
Finally they discussed the upcoming signature on 27 June of the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with Ukraine. As a way to dispel any concerns, President Barroso offered President Putin the possibility to pursue the ongoing bilateral talks with Russia at technical level as well as to hold political level consultations, associating Ukraine, as discussed yesterday with President Poroshenko, with the aim to discuss implementation aspects in light of the signature of the agreement, which was agreed by President Putin.