Merkel, Putin Agree On Need to Stick to Peace Deals

Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin agreed to adhere to the Minsk peace agreements.

According to a note released on Thursday, Putin confirmed his intention to stick to the plan. He committed to promoting the withdrawal of heavy weapons on both sides. 

‘The two heads of state called for the quick finalisation and implementation of the agreements concerning the Ukrainian gas problem,’ the Kremlin wrote in the statement.

The press release did not mention possible negotiations in Berlin. But, as said by European Commissioner Gunther Oettinger on Friday, the deal between Naftogaz and Gazprom should be signed on Friday. No reference to the negotiations has been made in the note.

‘The heads of state agreed to maintain a dialogue at various levels, including during the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit, which will be held on October 16-17 in Milan.’