Putin in a conversation with Merkel explained the situation with the movement of the Russian Armed Forces

RIA Novosti reports.

“The President gave the necessary clarification.

This is the same thing that we have said many times.

But first: we are absolutely free to move our armed forces and any units across Russia at our discretion, ”he answered reporters when asked what Putin said to Merkel's calls to abandon the military presence at the borders of Ukraine.

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.