(Transcript from SBS World News Radio)
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has contradicted Russian President Vladimir Putin over the conflict in Ukraine during talks in Moscow.
In February, Ms Merkel and French President Francois Hollande helped broker a peace deal for Ukraine in a last ditch effort to stop fighting between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian government forces.
But the German leader says there is still no genuine ceasefire in eastern Ukraine months after the so-called Minsk agreement was signed, while President Putin claims progress has been made towards a lasting truce.
Michael Kenny reports.
(Click on the audio tab above to hear the full report)
Relations between Russia and Germany have soured over Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimean region and its support for pro-Russian separatists.
Germany has strongly backed the Western economic sanctions subsequently imposed on Russia.
Chancellor Merkel and other western leader boycotted Russia's military parade on Red Square on Saturday, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two in Europe.
In an apparent compromise, Ms Merkel did later lay a wreath at the grave of the Unknown Soldier near the Kremlin.
Following her talks with President Putin, Ms Merkel again emphasised her strong stance against Russian 'aggression' in Ukraine.
"Because of the criminal annexation of Crimea, which violates international law and military conflict in eastern Ukraine, our cooperation has suffered a serious setback. I say serious as we see it as a violation of the principles of the common European political system for peace."
The conflict has killed over 6,000 people and displaced a million more since April 2014.
Ms Merkel says the Minsk ceasefire deal has been violated many times since it was reached on February the 12th.
Both sides have reported small numbers of casualties on an almost daily basis.
Ms Merkel believes the agreement must be respected.
"We have once more confirmed that the Minsk package is what we have and this is the basis from which we should try to find a peaceful solution. Success is anything but assured. But we do not have anything else and therefore we must keep working on it."
The Ukrainian government and the pro-Russian separatists accuse each other of continuing to violate the ceasefire deal.
That is despite both sides claiming they have withdrawn heavy weapons from the frontline in accordance with the Minsk agreement.
Ms Merkel says there is an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Crimea and a prisoner exchange has not been finalised.
However President Putin believes progress has been made towards resolving the conflict.
"I believe there are reasons to believe that although the Minsk process has its difficulties, it is still moving forward. You know that after February 12 with all the problems that exist in the east of Ukraine, it has become quieter, although there are well-known problems".
Mr Putin also held talks in Moscow over the weekend with Zimbabwe's President, Robert Mugabe.
Mr Mugabe was among leaders who attended the military parade in Red Square to mark the 70th anniversary of the World War Two victory over Nazi Germany.
Western countries have withheld financial aid to Zimbabwe in protest over Mr Mugabe's policies and amid claims he has rigged elections to stay in power.
The Zimbabwean leader says he can relate well to Russia's experience with sanctions over its stance on Ukraine.
"So you have sanctions, we have sanctions. And just America, the imperialist, on the top if it all with Europe just following. And that's the reason why we should remain together".
Mr Putin praised President Mugabe, saying he had shown strong leadership as Chairman of the African Union.
He says Russia's strong ties with Zimbabwe would help it form closer ties with the African continent as a whole.
President Mugabe says his country has been a strong ally of Russia in the past and will continue to forge strong ties in the years ahead.
"True there has been a disintegration of the Soviet Union. But Russia has remained because it was a core of that Union anyway and we are happy that you have resisted onslaughts from the United States and Europe."
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