"We also expect that Russia will take the necessary steps," declared the Chancellor following the informal meeting of the European Council on Tuesday evening.

There have already been encouraging signals from Russia on respecting the election and the role of the OSCE. "We hope that there will soon be contacts between the newly elected Ukrainian President and the Russian President," continued Angela Merkel.

No further sanctions at present

The EU did not discount the possibility of additional sanctions should there be any more destabilisation activities on the part of Russia. "This is why we once again refer to the decisions of the European Council meetings in May and in March: if there is any further destabilisation, we will be forced to consider additional economic sanctions," said the Chancellor.

At present, however, the EU does not see the need. Given the situation in eastern Ukraine, though, the EU might have to come back to the decisions taken on 21 March.

The Chancellor believes that Russia should demonstrate that it is not supporting the separatists in eastern Ukraine. Russia could, for instance, better protect the Ukrainian-Russian border to ensure that separatists are not able to obtain further supplies from across the border. "This would make it clear that Russia too is of the opinion that the separatists, with their violent methods, have no chance of expanding their influence there."

Angela Merkel congratulates Petro Poroshenko

On Tuesday, Chancellor Angela Merkel called the newly elected President of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, to congratulate him on his victory in Sunday’s elections. The turn-out and the apparently clear results of the election are an unmistakable declaration of the Ukrainian people that they want to see unity and democracy.

The Chancellor made special mention of the courage of voters in eastern Ukraine, who went to the polls in spite of threats and intimidation. That is a sign of hope for the country, but also for all partners for whom the liberty and self-determination of Ukraine are important. The German government will continue to support Ukraine strongly on its chosen path.

Angela Merkel and Petro Poroshenko agreed that a top priority must be to forge ahead with internal reconciliation. Part of this is the national dialogue in the form of continued round table talks and constitutional reform.

"The people have spoken clearly," says Frank-Walter Steinmeier

Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier declared on Monday in Berlin that the elections were "a clear message" from the Ukrainian people. The people in Ukraine voted because they want to see an end to confrontation, chaos and corruption. "They want to see the integrity of Ukraine." "A large majority have now elected a candidate who has promised to deliver just that."

The "impressive result" achieved by Petro Poroshenko is a clear mandate and a major obligation, Frank-Walter Steinmeier continued. The new President of Ukraine faces massive challenges, the greatest being the rift in the east of the country. "Only if bridges can be built here, will it be possible to stabilise Ukraine in political and economic terms," said the Federal Foreign Minister.