Following the phone calls, a Downing Street spokesperson said:
The Prime Minister spoke separately to Chancellor Merkel and President Hollande this morning to discuss the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. All 3 leaders agreed that the current occupation of government buildings in Eastern Ukraine is illegal and dangerous and called on all parties, particularly the Russian government, to do everything they can to de-escalate the situation.
They noted that EU Foreign Ministers are meeting today and agreed that they should look at accelerating work on further possible sanctions. They agreed that the Contact Group meeting due to take place on Thursday would be an important opportunity for the Russian government to demonstrate a commitment to dialogue and de-escalation.
Read the latest updates on the government’s response to the situation in Ukraine.