President Obama spoke with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday about more international money for Ukraine, the White House said.

"The two leaders discussed their support for a robust package of international financing for Ukraine as it implements an ambitious series of reforms," said a White House statement.

The statement noted "the recent United States and European Union announcements of new financial assistance for Ukraine."

The U.S. and allies are trying to help Ukraine as it faces threats from neighboring Russia, including last year's annexation of the Crimea region.

In their phone call, Obama and Merkel "expressed concern about the increase in separatist violence in eastern Ukraine," the White House said. It said the leaders "reiterated their agreement on the need for full and prompt implementation of the Minsk agreements in order to reach a lasting and peaceful resolution to the conflict."