Obama consults Spain, Kazakh leaders on Ukraine

President Barack Obama speaks about Ukraine in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, Friday, Feb. 28, 2014. Obama’s statement comes as his administration is expressing growing concern over Russian intentions in Ukraine. Secretary of State John Kerry delivered a blunt warning Friday to Moscow against military moves in the country’s southern Crimea region that could further inflame tensions. AP

WASHINGTON—President Barack Obama has spoken with the leaders of Spain and Kazakhstan about the crisis in Ukraine.

The calls on Monday come as the U.S. is seeking to show a united front with world leaders on Ukraine.

The White House says Obama and Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy agreed that Ukraine’s sovereignty must be respected and were gravely concerned over what they deem Russia’s violation of international law.

Obama and Rajoy also praised Ukraine’s new government for showing restraint, and rejected a planned March 16 referendum on whether the Ukrainian region of Crimea should break away and join Russia.

The White House says Obama encouraged President Nursultan of Kazakhstan, a former Soviet republic, to play an active role in finding a peaceful outcome for Ukraine.