BERLIN
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has held talks with Ukraine's President-elect Petro Poroshenko in Berlin.
Speaking to journalists' before their meeting on Thursday evening, Merkel said the main focus for the people of Ukraine was to live in peace and put economic development back on course in the crisis-torn country.
"In that way, the people of Ukraine can celebrate their success for freedom," Merkel said.
Meanwhile, Poroshenko blamed Russia for sparking unrest in Ukraine, saying: "The position of the Russian Federation is obviously harmful for both sides."
Earlier on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the U.S. position on Ukraine and praised France for going ahead with its deal to supply two Mistral warships to Russia.
United States President Barack Obama has warned Russia that G7 nations are ready to impose additional costs on Russia over the crisis in Ukraine.
Billionaire Poroshenko, known as the Chocolate King, beat his nearest rival, former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, to win the May 25 vote.
Poroshenko will be sworn in on Saturday.
aa.com.tr/en
