Poroshenko and Merkel discuss situation around Ukrainian sailors arrested in Russia, presidential election
KYIV. Jan 24 (Interfax) - Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed Russia's possible role in Ukraine's upcoming presidential election at a meeting on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ukrainian presidential press secretary Sviatoslav Tseholko wrote on his Facebook page on Wednesday evening.
"Poroshenko and Merkel exchanged opinions on how to prevent Russian interference in the presidential elections in Ukraine" and agreed to "keep up pressure on Russia" in order to get it to release "the Ukrainian POW sailors," Tseholko said.
"The sides reiterated the importance of fulfilling Ukraine's initiative to deploy a UN-led peacekeeping mission in Donbas, which will facilitate the implementation of the Minsk Agreements," he said.
Poroshenko also thanked Germany for its efforts to "minimize the risks of deterioration in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov," ensure unhindered shipping traffic in this region and push for "the unconditional and immediate release of the Ukrainian sailors," he said.
"Petro Poroshenko and Angela Merkel discussed risks facing the European Union's energy security," Tsekholko said.
Merkel also reiterated the importance of continuing reforms in Ukraine.