President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and President of European Council Donald Tusk in a telephone talk discussed the situation in the east of Ukraine and the country's new ties with the European Union.

The president noted the positive dynamic of relations between Ukraine and the EU, citing the recent recommendation of the European Commission to introduce a visa-free regime for Ukrainians, Poroshenko's press service reported.

Tusk stressed that the legislative recommendation of the EC represents recognition of internal transformations in Ukraine. He said the move is an important gesture by the EU recognizing the European aspirations of Ukrainians.

The head of state told Tusk about the establishment of the Group of Strategic Advisors on the Support for Reforms in Ukraine chaired by Leszek Balcerowicz and Ivan Miklos.

Tusk praised the decision and called it a good choice. He said it is important to continue reforms in Ukraine, Poroshenko's press service reported.

The interlocutors discussed the unlawful detention of Nadia Savchenko and called for her immediate release.

"The head of state informed on lasting deterioration of the security situation in Donbas caused by provocations of pro-Russian militants, as well as increasing infringements of human rights in occupied Crimea. The president underlined the necessity to preserve sanctions against Russia until full implementation of the Minsk Agreements by Moscow," the press service said.