German Chancellor Angela Merkel will keep in close contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the situation in Ukraine. She revealed she had spoken to the Russian leader on the phone while in Paris for the French-German Council of Ministers meeting.

“Let me share some information with you on Ukraine. I have just had a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and we agreed that we shall do everything in order to avoid a further escalation of violence,” the German Chancellor told reporters.

Francois Hollande and his ministers hosted the Paris meeting with both governments discussed the escalating situation in Ukraine.

Cabinet ministers condemned the violence,discussed imposing sanctions and stressed any such move must be directed against those who have caused the deadly violence.

Merkel’s subsequent revelation of her call to Putin is seen as evidence all diplomatic channels will remain open.