KIEV, Aug. 26 - Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel say they support only a peaceful way to resolve the situation in eastern Ukraine.

"I am fully convinced that the problem should be resolved as a result of negotiations, and there should be a diplomatic solution," Merkel said at a joint press conference with Poroshenko in Kiev on Saturday.

Merkel supported the efforts of the Ukrainian president aimed at a peaceful settlement of the crisis.