Following talks at the Munich Security Conference, Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said:

“The US and UK have met with Germany to discuss the latest situation in Ukraine and the recent talks held in Moscow. It is clear that the escalation in fighting in the east of Ukraine cannot be allowed to continue and a political solution is imperative.

“Britain led the way in placing strict EU sanctions on Russia, and will continue to consider any diplomatic proposal on its merit, in pursuit of a long-lasting political outcome. There are a number of diplomatic tracks underway with the united goal of finding a diplomatic solution which we will continue to discuss with international colleagues.”

Further information

• Follow the Foreign Secretary on Twitter @PHammondMP

• Follow the Foreign Office on Twitter @foreignoffice

• Follow the Foreign Office on Facebook and Google+