Breaking news, german chancellor Angela Merkel is at the white house for a high stakes meeting with president obama. One focus russias tightening grip against ukraine. In the last hour the president declared the u. S. And germany united and sent another stern warning to moscow. We are united in our determination to impose costs on russia for its actions as Ukrainian Forces move to restore order in Eastern Ukraine, it is obvious to the world that these russianbacked groups are not Peaceful Protesters but heavily armed militants receiving significant support from russia. Times are also tense with Ukrainian Army launching the first major assault on separatist strong holds in the east of that country. A spokesman for putin called the move a criminal act. Nbc news chief White House Correspondent chuck todd, also host of the daily rundown joins us. How critical was it for the president to get merkel on board with sanctions . Reporter its interesting, that is a glass is half full way of looki