According to the Kremlin press service, the parties expressed deep concern about Ukraine´s present situation and pointed out the significance of implementing the 2015 Minsk Protocol as outright basis for an agreement.

The three nations also laid stress on their interest in making efforts in the Normandy format (Russia, Germany, France and Ukraine), which along with the Trilateral Contact Group, is the major consultation platform for sorting out Kiev-Donbass conflict.

According to the statement, the Russian president made a step-by-step assessment of policy implemented by Kiev´s authorities.

In this regard, Putin said that Ukrainia stubbornly breaches the fulfillment of its obligations under the Minsk Protocols and the results of the Normandy Summits, including the one held in Paris on December 9, 2019.

The three leaders instructed their political advisers and foreign ministries to build up contacts and to promote a meeting and a possible summit in Normandy.

mh/Pll/rgh / mml