Trump pledges peace efforts with Ukraine, Russia

WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump said Saturday that his country will work with Ukraine, Russia, and all other parties involved to help restore peace along the Ukraine-Russia border.

Trump made the pledge in a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, the White House said in a statement, describing it as a "very good call."

The two leaders also discussed the potential for their meeting in the near future, the statement said.

The call came as the situation in eastern Ukraine has worsened in recent days with reported ceasefire violations and widespread use of multiple launch rocket systems.

Separately, Trump spoke with Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni over the phone on Saturday to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation on issues including security and counter-terrorism.

The two leaders discussed Libya, the influx of migrants and refugees into Europe, as well as Italy's priorities, and the upcoming G7 meeting in Italy, the White House said.

They agreed to continue close coordination and cooperation on efforts to eliminate the Islamic State (IS) group and other terrorist organizations.

During the call, Trump also emphasized the importance of all North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies sharing the monetary burden of defense spending, according to the White House.

Trump also agreed to attend the G7 Summit in Taormina, Italy in May.