Ukraine crisis: Obama praises 'excellent' Poroshenko

President Barack Obama has given his support to Petro Poroshenko, describing himself as a "strong friend" to Ukraine's leader, the BBC reported.

Mr Obama condemned what he called Russian aggression in eastern Ukraine.

He called for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory and the closure of the border to arms.

But he stopped short of agreeing to Mr Poroshenko's request for US military assistance to his country to counter pro-Russian eastern separatists.

"Congratulations on the excellent work that you've done," said Mr Obama during a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office.

"You have a strong friend not only in me personally, but I think, as you saw in Congress today, you have strong bipartisan support here in the United States."

Mr Obama has said military support will only include non-lethal weapons.

Mr Poroshenko told the joint session of Congress in Washington that Ukrainian government forces needed more equipment - both lethal and non-lethal.

"Blankets, night-vision goggles are important, but one cannot win the war with blankets."

His impassioned plea for US support brought applause and several standing ovations.