Ban Ki-moon: I have just spoken directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin by telephone. I told him that I am closely following the serious and rapidly unfolding developments in Ukraine. I am gravely concerned by some of the recent events, in particular those that could in any way compromise the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the country. It is crucial to restore calm, and proceed to an immediate de-escalation of the situation. Cool heads must prevail, and dialogue must be the only tool in ending this crisis. I appeal to President Putin to urgently engage in direct dialogue with the authorities in Kyiv.
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