Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was not surprised that the fighting in the east of Ukraine continued as Debaltsevo was under siege during Minsk talks. Putin made these remarks on a trip to Hungary to work out a gas agreement.

Putin noted that the intensity of the fighting has subsided and again denied the participation of Russian troops in the conflict.

Thousands of Hungarians protested against  Putin`s visit, chanting "Putin - no, Europe - yes!"