Obama explicitly stated in the conversation with Putin that "united forces of Russia and separatists" fought in Donbass

US President Barack Obama stressed the need to respect the cease-fire on the part of the pro-Russian mercenaries in Donbass. He said this during a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, - reportsInterfaxwith reference to the White House.

"With regard to Ukraine, President Obama stressed the need for compliance of the cease-fire by the united forces of Russia and separatists in the east of Ukraine," - said the statement about the conversation.

The White House noted that B. Obama had also stated that it was important to "ensure unhindered access of OSCE observes to the areas controlled by militants, including parts of the Russian-Ukrainian border."

In its turn, the Kremlin press service reportedon this conversation vaguely. "When discussing the situation in Ukraine, the Russian President stressed the need for complete fulfillment of the obligations by the Ukrainian authorities under the Minsk agreements. The two sides reaffirmed their intention to continue working with the parties to the conflict in the interest of its resolution," - said the statement.