13 Jul 2014 20:21

Putin, Merkel agree that situation in Ukraine is deteriorating sharply

RIO DE JANEIRO. July 13 (Interfax) - President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed in talks in Rio de Janeiro that "the situation in Ukraine has regrettably taken a turn for degradation," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Both leaders said that, "the contact group for Ukraine should resume its work as soon as possible, probably in a video conferencing format," according to Peskov.

Putin and Merkel urged an early ceasefire in Ukraine and a re-launch of monitoring activity.