In their second phone conversation in the past six days, Obama emphasized to Putin that Russia's incursion into Ukraine was a violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the White House said.
During the call, Obama outlined the terms of a diplomatic "off-ramp" that US officials are promoting. Under terms of the deal, Russia would pull back troops to bases in Crimea, allow international monitors in to ensure the rights of ethnic Russians are respected and consent to direct talks with Ukraine officials.
"President Obama indicated that there is a way to resolve the situation diplomatically," the White House said in a statement.