RIA Novosti informs about it with reference to the message of the FRG government.
“The subject of the conversation was, among other things, the increased Russian military presence in the region of eastern Ukraine,” the German Cabinet of Ministers said.
Berlin also claims that Merkel "demanded to curtail this military reinforcement" in order to achieve a de-escalation of the situation.
Earlier, the Kremlin reported that during negotiations with Merkel, Putin drew attention to the provocative actions of Kiev, which has recently been purposefully exacerbating the situation on the contact line.
The leaders also "expressed concern over the escalation of tensions in southeastern Ukraine."
Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev noted that Moscow is not planning to intervene in the conflict in southeastern Ukraine, but is closely monitoring the situation.
Press Secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov noted that the Russian armed forces "are located there on the territory of Russia, where it is recognized as necessary and expedient."
He also stressed that "Russia did not threaten anyone and does not threaten and does not pose a threat to anyone."