LONDON, November 24. /TASS/. Kiev and its Western allies will need to start a dialog with Russia to settle the conflict in Ukraine, ex-Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel told The Times.

"This is our objective [to preserve independence of Ukraine], and in this respect I support what the current German government and the European Union are doing," Merkel said. "But I believe that at a certain moment, and the responsible people today have to determine that moment, we will need conversations. There will not be a solution that is only military," she noted.

Merkel advised politicians "to be authentic" when building up relations with US President-elect dondald Trump and "to hear his arguments."

"But, otherwise, just stay firm. You don’t have to be especially friendly, but you don’t have to be especially harsh. Just be however you are as a person. You have to make the best of the situation. And especially don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid," she added.