Zelensky, Merkel discuss Donbas, gas transit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a phone call with German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel on July 16 to discuss the situation in Donbas, the release of Ukrainian prisoners held in Russia and natural gas transit, the presidential press service has reported.

The report said that the sides had discussed ways to further intensify the peaceful settlement of the situation in Donbas.

According to the Presidential Office, Zelensky and Merkel praised a recent meeting of diplomatic advisers in the Normandy format in Paris, which should give an impetus to the work of the Trilateral Contact Group.

In addition, the sides stressed the need to achieve progress in the near future in the release of Ukrainian hostages and political prisoners, as well as to complete the disengagement of troops in Stanytsia Luhanska, in particular by dismantling fortifications and conducting demining activities.

Zelensky and Merkel also discussed further transit of natural gas through Ukraine.

Particular attention was paid to prospects for the implementation of bilateral investment projects.

op