Poroshenko, Merkel discuss ways to counter Russia's aggression against Ukraine

The interlocutors discussed ways to counter Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the press service of the head of state reported.

The president underlined the importance of increasing pressure on Russia in order to release the captive Ukrainian sailors illegally detained in the Kerch Strait, as well as all Ukrainian hostages illegally kept both in Russia and in the occupied territories of Donbas and Crimea.

The parties coordinated actions aimed at introducing the 'Azov package of sanctions.

Another important topic of negotiations was the issue of preventing Russian interference in the presidential election in Ukraine.