US: Russia's actions in Ukraine 'obstacle' to improved

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said Moscow's actions in eastern Ukraine remain an obstacle to improved US-Russian ties, the State Department has said.

"Secretary Tillerson phoned Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko today to discuss his recent trip to Moscow and his message to the Russian leadership that, although the United States is interested in improving relations with Russia, Russia's actions in eastern Ukraine remain an obstacle," said acting spokesman Mark Toner.

He added that Tillerson also "emphasized the importance of Ukraine's continued progress on reform and combating corruption."

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