OREANDA-NEWS. Russian President Vladimir Putin over the phone discussed with German Chancellor Angela Merkel issues of resolving the situation in Libya. According to the Kremlin’s press service, the leaders focused on this topic.

"The focus is on the Libyan crisis", the report said. "The importance of preventing a further aggravation of the situation and the need for resuming a peaceful dialogue are noted". "Vladimir Putin reiterated Russia's readiness to continue facilitating mediation efforts in this direction by Germany and the UN", the press service added. Putin and Merkel also agreed to maintain contacts at various levels. The Kremlin noted that the telephone conversation took place at the initiative of Berlin.

In addition, Russian President Vladimir Putin over the phone discussed with German Chancellor Angela Merkel gas supplies to Europe. The contract for the supply and transit of gas through Ukraine between Gazprom and Naftogaz ends on December 31, 2019. Russia, Ukraine and the European Commission have continued consultations on transit to the EU through Ukrainian territory since 2020, although the dialogue is complicated by legal proceedings between Gazprom and Naftogaz.