Putin Warns Merkel: Ukraine 'On Verge of Civil War'

(AFP) Russian President Vladimir Putin warned German Chancellor Angela Merkel that Ukraine was now on the verge of civil war after the Kiev government sent in the army against separatists in the east of the country, the Kremlin said Wednesday.

But the leaders both “emphasised the importance” of the planned four-way talks on Ukraine on April 17. “The hope was expressed that the meeting in Geneva can give a clear signal to return the situation to a peaceful framework,” the statement said.