From left: Angela Merkel, Vladimir Putin and Francois Hollande. Illustrative photo.
Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Federal Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel and President of France Francois Hollande.
The leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine and expressed concern over the increasing ceasefire violations in Donbass. They focused on the priority of preventing the deterioration of the situation in the conflict zone through a consistent implementation of agreements on withdrawing heavy weapons and disengaging the conflicting sides along the line of contact. They also pointed out the crucial role of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission’s in maintaining the ceasefire.
Vladimir Putin directed his colleagues’ attention to the provocative nature of the Ukrainian armed forces’ activities in the southeast of the country. He urged them to more actively influence their Ukrainian partners to promote strict compliance with the Minsk Agreements, including at the upcoming talks with Petro Poroshenko in Warsaw.
The three leaders stressed the need to intensify talks in various formats for a comprehensive and full implementation of the Minsk Package approved on February 12, 2015. They spoke in favour of coordinating efforts in the areas of security and political settlement, including through the formal approval of a special status for Donbass, a constitutional reform, an amnesty and local elections.
They agreed to continue consultations on Ukraine at various levels.