WASHINGTON, October 9. /TASS/. US President Joe Biden held a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Sunday. During the conversation the two leaders discussed sanctions pressure on Russia, assistance to Ukraine, and the situation in the energy markets, the press service of the White House reported.
It is noted that the leaders of the two countries, in particular, expressed their "commitment to hold Russia accountable for its brutal actions and to provide security and economic assistance to Ukraine."
"The leaders also discussed recent developments in global energy markets and the importance of securing sustainable and affordable energy supplies. In addition, they talked about efforts to promote regional stability and prosperity in the Western Balkans," according to the statement.
On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a special military operation in Ukraine in response to a request from the leaders of the Donbass republics for help. After that, the US, the EU, the UK, as well as a number of other states imposed sweeping sanctions against Russia and beefed up arms supplies to the Ukrainian authorities.