OREANDA-NEWS. At Germany’s initiative, Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Federal Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel.

Mr Putin and Ms Merkel exchanged views on the critical situation unfolding in Ukraine, including the Kiev authorities’ unwillingness to implement the Geneva agreements of April 17, 2014. Mr Putin strongly condemned the Kiev authorities’ attempts to use armed force against civilians in Ukraine’s southeast regions.

The two leaders also discussed matters concerning the OSCE monitoring mission in Ukraine.

Mr Putin and Ms Merkel underscored the importance of holding talks as soon as possible between Russia, the European Union and Ukraine on security for transit and supplies of Russian gas.