Poroshenko, Steinmeier discuss Donbas, sanctions against Russia

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier have discussed the need to preserve and strengthen sanctions against Russia.

Ukrainian presidential press secretary Svyatoslav Tsegolko wrote this in his Twitter account.

"The presidents of Ukraine and Germany discussed the need to preserve and strengthen sanctions against Russia," he wrote.

The press service of the Ukrainian president also reported that Poroshenko and Steinmeier had discussed prospects for the deployment of a UN peacekeeping force to Donbas.

Poroshenko expressed confidence that the deployment of a full-fledged UN peacekeeping force in the occupied part of Donbas would contribute to stabilization in the region and can provide an effective transition from the regime of constant Russian provocations to peaceful settlement.

Steinmeier, in turn, expressed support for international efforts to find a peaceful settlement in Donbas, primarily in the context of the importance of deploying an international UN force.

In addition, the leaders discussed German support for Ukraine's progress towards reforms, in particular in the areas of decentralization, medicine, and the fight against corruption, the report says.

The sides also emphasized the importance of using gas transportation capacities in Ukraine, the press service said.

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