The Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his confidence in Normandy talks as a successful mechanism of peace process in eastern Ukraine on Sunday, assuring the press in Moscow that the heads of four states (France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine) are in constant communication, despite 'significantly different assessments' of the situation in the country. The remarks were made during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Putin stated that Moscow is using all the influence in its hands on the authorities of Donetsk and Lugansk to ensure ongoing peace process is maintained. However, Putin stated that direct dialogue between Ukraine and the self-proclaimed republics is essential.

Before the joint press conference at the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin alongside Angela Merkel laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The German Chancellor was not present at Saturday's celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II, but came for an official visit to Moscow the day after to commemorate WWII soldiers and victims.