Ukraine conflict: Merkel takes peace plan to Obama

As well as discussing a way forward in Ukraine, the pair are likely to discuss a range of other issues including counter-terrorism and trade.

As the crisis in Ukraine intensifies, America says it will stand with Europe but recent talks exposed divisions.

Mrs Merkel has ruled out sending weapons to help Ukraine's military.

The Ukrainian government is locked in a conflict with Russian-backed rebels which has claimed more than 5,300 lives and driven 1.5 million people from their homes.

5,358 people killed and 12,235 wounded in eastern Ukraine

Fatalities include 298 people on board flight MH17 shot down on 17 July

224 civilians killed in three-week period leading up to 1 February

5.2 million people estimated to be living in conflict areas

921,640 internally displaced people within Ukraine, including 136,216 children

600,000 fled to neighbouring countries of whom more than 400,000 have gone to Russia

(BBC)