Merkel blames Moscow for worsening relations between NATO, Russia

"Implementation of the Minsk agreements will be decisive for further cooperation with Russia. The intensive consultations on this issue, including on preparation for local elections in Donetsk and Luhansk, are ongoing," Merkel said. At the same time, she noted the parties to the conflict had not managed to reach a stable ceasefire still. Merkel also blamed Moscow for the loss of trust between NATO and Russia. "Russia's actions during the crisis in Ukraine deeply confused our eastern partners," she said.