BERLIN-- German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a speech in parliament Thursday that the partnership of the European Union (EU) with Ukraine was not targeted against Russia.

Addressing the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament, Merkel said patience is needed in handling the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

She called for the forming of an international observer mission and a contact group, which will lead to talks between the governments of Russia and Ukraine and find a "political and diplomatic way out of the crisis."

The chancellor also called on Ukraine to ensure a peaceful coexistence among all Ukrainian citizens, no matter what language they speak, what religion they have.