Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has met his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Yekaterinburg, Russia. 

They discussed the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. Steinmeier said the Minsk deal must remain the focus of the Ukrainian peace process despite a spike in tensions in Crimea.

Steinmeier added all sides should refrain from doing anything to escalate the already tense situation.

Lavrov promised Moscow will fulfil its part of the bargain and that Russia is ready to provide the West with more evidence about armed Ukrainian incursions into Crimea.

Lavrov said he does not think any parties are interested in cutting diplomatic ties between Russia and Ukraine at this time.