MOSCOW, December 13. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have discussed by telephone the situation with Russian gas supplies to European consumers through Ukraine, as well as the situation in Syria, the Kremlin press service reported.

The two leaders agreed to intensify bilateral contacts.

"Vladimir Putin has reiterated his concern about the fact that Ukraine evades coordination of agreement for purchases of gas in Russia during this winter season, which creates a threat to (gas) transit to Europe. In the context of peaceful settlement of internal Ukrainian conflict the leaders stressed the need to intensify efforts for a comprehensive implementation of the Minsk agreements dated February 12, 2015," according to the statement.

During the discussion of the situation in Syria, Putin informed Merkel about Russia’s steps to fight international terrorism and large-scale humanitarian assistance sent to the Syrian regions that were freed from militants.