26 Jun 2014 14:07

Putin, Merkel discuss extension of ceasefire between conflicting parties in Ukraine - Kremlin

MOSCOW. June 26 (Interfax) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel called Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the situation in Ukraine, the Kremlin press service said on Thursday.

"The leaders continued exchanging opinions in the context of international assistance to the settlement of the acute crisis in Ukraine. In particular, [Putin and Merkel] addressed control over the observance of a ceasefire by the conflicting parties, the need to extend the truce, the arrangement of contact group regular work, and the release of persons being held forcibly," it said.

"Putin emphasized the aggravated humanitarian situation and the growing number of refugees from Ukraine on Russian territory," it said.