Merkel and Putin Discuss Solution to Diplomatic Crisis in Ukraine

The German spokesman for the Chancellor, Angela Merkel, said that the German leader and Russian President, Vladimir Putin, discussed by phone possible measures to stabilize the situation in Ukraine and Transnistria, a breakaway territory between Moldova and Ukraine.

In a telephone conversation with Merkel, Russian President confirmed that he gave the order for withdrawal of troops at the border with Ukraine.

A spokesman for the Russian Ministry of Defense explained that a motorized infantry battalion, composed of hundreds of troops, is being withdrawn from the border.

The Kremlin said in a statement that President Putin said that Ukraine should carry out constitutional reforms to protect the interests of all regions.

The statement also mentioned that it should be a solution to Transnistria.