Putin, Merkel concerned over ceasefire violations in East Ukraine

"During the exchange of opinions on the Ukrainian crisis, the leaders underlined the importance of further joint efforts aimed at the implementation of the Minsk agreements, including in light of the Normandy Four summit in Berlin on October 19," the press service said in a statement.

"In this regard, Putin and Merkel expressed concern over continuing violations of the 'silence regime' in Donbass," the statement said.