US, Japan agree Russian actions in Ukraine threat to peace

US President Barack Obama and Japanese Prime Shinzo Abe agreed that Russia's military action in Ukraine poses a "threat" to global peace and security, the White House said today.

"The two leaders agreed that Russia's actions are a threat to international peace and security and emphasised the importance of preserving Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," it said in a statement following a telephonic conversation between the two leaders.

"They committed to work with other G-7 partners to insist that Russia abide by its obligations and commitments to Ukraine's sovereignty, including under the UN Charter and the 1997 basing agreement, but noted that there is an opportunity for Russia to resolve the situation diplomatically, in a way that addresses its interests as well as those of Ukraine and the international community," the statement said.

Obama and Abe agreed to work bilaterally and through the IMF to support the government of Ukraine as it works to stabilise its economy and prepare for the May elections, the White House said.

Obama is scheduled to visit Japan next month.

"The President noted that his April visit to Japan will offer an important opportunity to advance the many diplomatic, defence, and trade initiatives the United States and Japan are pursuing in Asia and around the globe," the White House said.

Russia, defending its actions in Ukraine, argues it needs to protect ethnic Russians from coming under attack from ultra-nationalists who have backing from the new pro-EU team in Kiev.