Poroshenko, Merkel discuss escalation in Sea of Azov

This issue was discussed during their meeting in Davos on Wednesday, January 23, the press service of the head of state reported.

"As part of a meeting of the World Economic Forum, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko met with German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel. The interlocutors exchanged views on preventing Russia from interfering in the presidential election in Ukraine," the statement said.

The president also thanked Merkel for Germany's efforts to minimize the risks of Russia's escalation of the situation in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov and to ensure freedom of navigation in the region and the unconditional and immediate release of Ukrainian sailors.

Poroshenko also congratulated Merkel on Germany's receiving the powers of a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council from January 1, 2019. During the meeting, the sides emphasized the importance of implementing the initiative of Ukraine to deploy a UN-led peacekeeping mission, which will facilitate the implementation of the Minsk agreements.

Merkel, in turn, noted the reforms in Ukraine and the importance of their continuation.

According to the report, Poroshenko and Merkel also discussed risks for EU energy security during the meeting.