Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed to discuss the issue of restoring a control center for a truce in the South-East of Ukraine. About reported in the press service of the Kremlin following the results of a telephone conversation between the leaders of the two states. During the dialogue, Merkel asked Putin why Russia decided to withdraw its officers from the SCPM. The Russian head responded by saying that for a long time the Ukrainian side had consciously inserted sticks into the wheels of the Russian military. In the course were both various restrictions and provocations, which significantly complicated the lives of Russian officers. Putin noted that Moscow repeatedly suggested that Kiev solve the problems that arose, but they answered only with silence.

As a result of the conversation, Putin and Merkel came to the conclusion that the issue of the resumption of the work of the SCCC in the previous volume should be discussed. "It is agreed that the assistants of the leaders of the two countries will additionally work out the conditions that would make it possible for Russian officers to return to the structure of this structure," the message says..

In addition, the leaders advocated for an early exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and the Donbas, and supported the Christmas Armistice announced by the Contact Group.