Merkel: Minsk format gives a chance to settle situation in eastern Ukraine

Angela Merkel believes that Russia is a big challenge for Europe, but the dialogue with it should remain in order to move towards the settlement of the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

"Russia is a big challenge for us but Russia is also a continental neighbour of the European Union and we need to ensure that all hybrid (cyber) attacks are stopped. But on the other hand we have an interest to remain in dialogue with Russia if we want security and stability in the European Union, as difficult as this is," German Chancellor said before a working dinner with the President of France at the chancellery in Berlin on June 18, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Commenting on Joe Biden's meeting with Vladimir Putin, she noted that only dialogue can reveal the other side's position.

"Given the situation in Ukraine, we know that only negotiations, the Minsk format in general, give a chance to move further millimeter by millimeter, although it may be very difficult," Merkel added.

Macron became the first foreign leader Merkel received at her office in Berlin this year. The parties noted that the personal meeting was made possible, in particular, due to the success in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic.