MOSCOW, May 14. /TASS/. Russian and Finnish presidents, Vladimir Putin and Sauli Niinisto, discussed the situation in Ukraine in a telephone conversation, the press service of the Kremlin reported on Saturday, adding that the Russian leader noted the talks between Moscow and Kiev were almost put on hold due to the fact that the Ukrainian side is not interested in a constructive dialogue.
"The leaders also discussed the situation in Ukraine. In particular, Vladimir Putin shared his opinion of the state of the negotiating process between Russian and Ukrainian representatives. This process has been practically put on hold by Kiev, which does not show any interest in a serious and constructive dialogue," the report said.
The conversation was held at the Finnish side’s initiative, the Kremlin added.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on February 24 that in response to a request by the heads of the Donbass republics he had made a decision to carry out a special military operation, after which the US, the EU, the UK, as well as some other states, imposed sanctions against Russian persons and legal entities, as well as sped up arms supplies to Kiev.