World Bulletin / News Desk 

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday called U.S. President Barack Obama amid a tense confrontation between the two countries over the situation in Eastern Europe.

"President Obama reiterated the need for Russia to fulfill its commitments under the Minsk agreements, including the removal of all Russian troops and equipment from Ukrainian territory," the White House said in a statement.

The two leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine, the "increasingly dangerous" advance of the ISIL. They also discussed the developments in the Middle East, including developments in Syria and the Iranian nuclear talks. 

The two leaders addressed continued bloodshed in Syria and agreed on the importance of unity among the six world powers that are negotiating to restrict Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

This was the first phone talk between two presidents since February.