Putin to Kuchma

"I am glad that you found it possible to meet for several minutes at this difficult political moment of your country and discuss the state of affairs in Ukraine, prospects and ways out of this acute political crisis.

"Despite the crisis' acuteness, you have managed to prevent extreme events. Thank God, nothing worse has happened.

"All of us are greatly concerned about the possibility of a national split and support your efforts to strengthen the national integrity. We are worried, and we care about developments [in your country]."

- V.V. Putin, as reported by Interfax.

The BBC adds:

A repeat presidential vote to break the political deadlock in Ukraine would be useless, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said in Moscow.