(VOVworld) – French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday issued a joint statement urging Ukraine security force to stop their offensive on rebel-held positions.

French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned about escalating violence in Ukraine (Photo: Getty)

The statement was issued on the threshold of the referendum on Sunday on independence in eastern Ukraine provinces and  the presidential election on May 25^th. In the statement, the two leaders warned that if the presidential election did not take place as planned, it would further tension in Ukraine. The statement is considered a warning that the West is likely to expand sanctions against Moscow aimed at Russia’s economic sector. The two leaders also called on Kiev government and representatives of Ukraine’s areas to carry out a national dialogue.

Meanwhile, tension has run high as the rebels set alight a captured Ukrainian army armored vehicle, causing the ammunition inside to explode. Around 60 rebels armed with automatic weapons stormed into the city’s police headquarters.