Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed the Ukraine crisis in a telephone call and stressed the importance of "effective international action" to reduce tension, the Kremlin has said.
During their discussion on Sunday, the leaders also discussed the supply of Russian gas and its transit, based on the results of a recent meeting in Warsaw.
In Warsaw on Friday, Russia threatened to cut natural gas supplies to Ukraine in June if it receives no prepayment in an escalating row between Moscow, Ukraine and the European Union over energy supplies.
Also on Friday, Merkel and U.S. President Barack Obama warned Russia it would face additional sanctions against key sectors of? its economy if Moscow interferes with Ukraine's elections on? May 25.
Obama and? Merkel said they were united in? their intention to? implement tougher sanctions but made clear they were still deciding how to? structure the? measures should they be necessary.
See also:
Obama and Merkel United in Threat of New Anti-Russia Sanctions
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
![paiment methods](https://static.themoscowtimes.com/img/contribute/payment_icons.png)
Remind me later.