US Secretary of State John Kerry urged Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday to stop Russian and separatist attacks on Ukrainian forces in Debaltseve, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters.

"Secretary Kerry spoke with Foreign Minister Lavrov this morning. He pressed Foreign Minister Lavrov to stop Russian and separatist attacks on Ukrainian positions in Debaltseve and other violations of the ceasefire," Psaki said. "The secretary urged Russia to secure access to Debaltseve for OSCE monitors, who have been blocked from performing their responsibilities."