The Kremlin said Putin made his comment during a telephone call Tuesday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
President Putin accused the Ukrainian government of pursuing an "anti-constitutional" path by using force against the pro-Russian demonstrators who have taken over official buildings in 10 southeastern Ukrainian towns and cities.
The Kremlin said the Russian and German leaders hope Thursday's talks in Geneva between the European Union, Russia, Ukraine, and the United States will show the importance of finding a peaceful solution.
Meanwhile, witnesses in the Ukrainian city Slovyansk, near the Russian border, said six armored personnel carriers flying the Russian flag have rolled into the town.
A number of armed men sat on top of the vehicles, waving to the people in the streets.
Ukraine launched what it calls an anti-terrorist operation in Sloviansk and other towns Tuesday to try to take back the government buildings seized over by the pro-Russians.
There are different reports on whether shots were fired and if there are any casualties.
The protesters are demanding referendums on whether the cities will split from Ukraine and join Russia. A similar vote in last month in Crimea led to the Russian takeover of the Ukrainian peninsula.
Moscow says it has the right to protect Russian-speakers in Ukraine.
Source: Top Stories - Google News - http://ift.tt/1qI55cJ
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