The two West European leaders spoke first with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy about implementation of the Minsk Agreements, aimed at bringing about a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine.

Then, Merkel and Macron spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to continue the peace talks, the German government said.

The 23rd Ukraine-EU Summit will take place on Tuesday in Kiev. It is expected to produce a number of signed agreements, including EU support for Ukraine in military training.

In related news, the EU has adopted sanctions against eight individuals in connection with activities that undermine the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, as well as sanctions for the illegal annexation of Crimea and the port of Sevastopol.