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During the telephone conversation, the President of Russia briefed the Federal Chancellor of Germany on the main outcomes of the meeting between Background information Customs Union between Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan Customs Union heads of state and the President of Ukraine and European Union representatives on August 26 in Minsk, where the politicians exchanged views on issues pertaining to Ukraine’s signing of the association agreement with the EU.

Angela Merkel expressed support for the achieved agreement to hold intensive talks on this matter between experts from Russia, Ukraine and the European Commission.

The two heads of state stressed the importance of continuing international efforts to facilitate de-escalation in Ukraine’s internal conflict, including through the Contact Group, which is supposed to renew its work soon. The leaders also noted the relevance of contacts on issues of gas transit to Europe through Ukrainian territory.

Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel expressed support for rapidly ending the bloodshed and improving the humanitarian situation in southeastern Ukraine, as well as the need to transition to political settlement of the situation. The President of Russia voiced the Russian side’s intention to send new shipments of humanitarian aid to Lugansk and Donetsk regions.

The two leaders agreed to continue a regular exchange of opinions on all the issues discussed.