We have to use existing contacts to contribute to de-escalation.

When the need arises, the two militaries can engage in dialogue through existing established channels so that the de-escalation process is properly handled,

This is certainly not traditional British courtesy.

The fundamentals of German policy on the Middle East remain firm.

The German government expects from Russia and Ukraine that the bilateral negotiations between the two countries about gas deliveries to Ukraine should not lead to the curtailing of gas provisions in Europe.

Russia and Ukraine should as quickly as possible find a sustainable compromise which does not affect gas deliveries to Europe.