Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel called Thursday for the truce in Ukraine to be extended.

According to Xinhua, the Kremlin press service said the conversation focused on the establishment of a verification mechanism for the ceasefire in eastern Ukraine, an extension of the truce, the creation of a contact group and the release of detainees.

The press service added the two presidents "exchanged views on international contributions to the resolution of the crisis in Ukraine" in a telephone conversation.

On Wednesday, Putin stressed the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and a surge in refugees from the conflict area, as he urged the federal government to help accommodate the exodus.

Russia's Federal Migration Service said Thursday more than 9,600 Ukrainian citizens had asked for the refugee status or been granted temporary shelter in Russia.

MG