Poroshenko, Merkel discuss situation in southeastern Ukraine

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have discussed on the phone the process of peaceful settlement of the situation in the southeastern Ukraine, Poroshenko's press service reported Monday, according to RIA Novosti.

"Petro Poroshenko and Angela Merkel have discussed the peace process in the Donbas region. The parties stated that the lack of steady progress with the implementation of the Minsk agreement, as well as continued attacks by militants threaten the peace plan," according to the statement.

The Ukrainian president thanked Merkel for humanitarian aid and noted that 112 trucks from Germany had already crossed the border and headed to Kiev.

The two leaders also noted that the conduct of elections in the Luhansk and Donetsk People's Republics must be held in accordance with Ukrainian legislation, and in the context of sustainable ceasefire.