Russian President Vladimir Putin told German Chancellor Angela Merkel on May 1 that the withdrawal of Ukrainian military units from the south-east of the country, ending violence and launching a national dialogue are key issues, the Kremlin said. The Kremlin also said that Merkel, in a call it said she initiated, asked Putin to help free European military observers who are being held by pro-Russian militia in Ukraine.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
Reuters: Putin says Ukrainian army must quit southeast
A soldier of the Ukrainian special troops of the national guard and the presidential regiment takes position outside the parliament during military exercises in the centre of Kiev early on May 1, 2014. Ukraine's armed forces are on "full combat alert" against a possible Russian invasion, Kiev said, as authorities admitted they were "helpless" to prevent pro-Kremlin insurgents tightening their grip on the increasingly chaotic east of the country. AFP PHOTO/ ANATOLIY STEPANOV
