Ukraine prime minister coming to Washington to discuss Russia crisis

March 6, 2014: Ukraine Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk at a the NATO aliance headquarters in Brussels. (REUTERS)

Ukraine Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk is coming to Washington this week to discuss Russian troops taking control of the Crimea region of his country, the White House confirmed Sunday to Fox News.

President Obama will welcome Yatsenyuk of Ukraine to the White House on Wednesday, according to the administration.

Russian troops began taking control of facilities in the region about a week ago, amid the political uprising in Ukraine in which residents have ousted President Viktor Yanukovych.

Obama has spoken by phone twice with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying that taking control of Crimea violates Ukraine's sovereignty.

The visit will highlight the United States' support for the people of Ukraine. And the discussions will focus on finding a peaceful resolution to Russia’s ongoing military intervention and how the international community can help Ukraine confront the resulting economic challenges, the White House said.