Putin Calls Obama To Discuss Ukraine

Russia's Vladimir putin has telephoned U.S. President Barack Obama to discuss a possible diplomatic  solution to the crisis in Ukraine

They considered a U.S. plan for a halt to Russia's military buildup on the border with Ukraine , a troop withdrawl in Crimea and moves to protect the    Russsian speakers in the region

Mr. Putin stressedthe threat posed by "extrremists" in Kiev , the Kremlin said , in the hour long phone call , the U.S. President urged Mr. Putin to avoid the build up of forces on the Russian border , President Obama underscored go Putin that the United States continues to support a diplomatic path with the aim of de escalation of  the crisis, President Obama made clear that this remains possible only if Russia pulls back it's troops and doesn't take any steps to further violate the territorial soverernty and integrity of Ukraine

The two   leaders agreed that their foreign ministers would meet soon to discuss the next steps

The U.S. proposal developed in consultation with Ukraine and other European countries , includes the deployment of international monitors in Crimea to protect the rights of Russian speakers , and the return of Russian troops to their bases

Mr. Putin suggested exaimining possible steps the global community could take to help stablize the situation 

Mr. Obama received Mr.Putin's call while on his trip to Saudi Arabia