Ukraine's pleas for lethal aid from US go unmet

Washington - President Barack Obama says $46m in new assistance that the US will provide to Ukraine's military will help the country defend against Russian aggression.

Obama, however, stopped short of meeting an urgent request from Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko for lethal aid to help his country in its fight against Russian-backed separatists.

Obama met with Poroshenko on Thursday at the White House.

Obama says Poroshenko's leadership has been "absolutely critical" at an important time in his country's history. Poroshenko is a billionaire businessman who Obama says is the right man for the job.

Poroshenko expressed gratitude for the "bipartisan support" he's received.

Obama also commended Poroshenko's work on a cease-fire that was reached earlier this month, and for his commitment to keeping Ukraine intact.