WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Despite the setbacks in reaching a diplomatic solution with Russia over the Ukrainian crisis, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said during a news conference on Monday that she does not see a military solution to the conflict.
“We continue to pursue a diplomatic solution although we have suffered a lot of setbacks, these days we will see whether all sides are ready and willing to come to a negotiated settlement,” Merkel said. “ I’ve always said I don’t see a military solution to this conflict but we have to put all our efforts in bringing about a diplomatic solution.”
Chancellor Merkel and French President Francois Hollande met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow last week to discuss the crisis situation in Ukraine. However, following the meeting Merkel said that she was unsure of the success of the talks with Moscow on the situation in Ukraine.
Ahead of the Moscow talks, Merkel said that Germany would not supply lethal aid to Ukriane and has continued to advocate for a diplomatic solution to solving the crisis.
Clashes in Ukraine have worsened in past weeks amid reports of devastating mortar attacks on eastern Ukrainian cities. The warring parties have traded blame for the attacks that killed scores of civilians.
The West has accused Russia of backing militias in the breakaway Ukrainian regions close to its borders, and supplying them with weapons, claims Moscow has denied.
