Obama, Merkel Discuss Ukraine, U.S. Spying

As Ukraine today pushed back against pro-Russian forces who have taken over government buildings in eastern Ukraine, President Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel met at the White House to discuss how to respond to an increasingly assertive Russia.

They are debating tougher sanctions, but the European Union is far more dependent on Russian oil and natural gas than the U.S.

Merkel may also raise concerns about U.S. spying programs, though Obama has promised her that the National Security Agency will stop eavesdropping on her cellphone.