Poroshenko, Merkel discuss escalation of Donbas conflict

11:40, 06.06.2015 1 min read

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and German Chancellor Angela Merkel had a telephone conversation late on Friday to discuss the escalation of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, particularly the recent fighting near Maryinka, which "has yet again become a gross violation of the Minsk agreements," the Ukrainian presidential press service reported.

Poroshenko vowed that Ukraine was abiding by the Minsk agreements, particularly by coordinating its actions with the OSCE to save the lives of its military servicemen and return to the line of contact with the militia.

He also stressed that the situation surrounding the ceasefire has worsened and there has been no progress in freeing hostages.