Merkel, Macron call on Putin to help stabilize situation in eastern Ukraine

The leaders of France and Germany stressed the need for Russia to make a determined commitment to stabilize the ceasefire in eastern Ukraine and to work out a way out of the crisis in compliance with the Minsk agreements.

The parties also discussed possible cooperation in the field of vaccines, which will depend on the approval of the Sputnik V vaccine by the European Medicines Agency.

Macron and Merkel also mentioned convicted Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. They stressed that Russia should ensure that his rights are respected.

In addition, the parties discussed the situation in Belarus - politicians agreed that a broad dialogue is needed to resolve the situation in the country. They also agreed to work together to encourage Iran to implement a nuclear deal.

op