Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Germany’s Angela Merkel have confirmed their opposition to the use of force to change the status quo in Ukraine.

Abe and Merkel addressed reporters in Berlin where Abe began the first leg of a week-long Europe visit.

The leaders called for an attempt to find mutual understanding on Ukraine with Russia.

Abe said Russia needed to be a responsible player in the international community.

Merkel raised the possibility of further sanctions against Russia.