The Presidents of Russia and Ukraine Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy have discussed various aspects of resolving the internal Ukrainian crisis.

According to the Kremlin press service, during the phone talks, the need was highlighted to increase the effectiveness of negotiation efforts within the Minsk Contact Group.

Vladimir Putin characterized the resolution adopted on July 15 by the Verkhovna Rada on holding local elections in 2020 as contrary to the Minsk agreements and threatening the prospects for a settlement.

The presidents also exchanged views on the situation over the COVID-19 pandemic.