Russian President Vladimir Putin takes to the airwaves Thursday in his annual televised phone saying that Ukraine faces an abyss and the only way out is through talk.

(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN, SAYING:

"I hope that it will be possible to realise which hole and which abyss the current authorities are moving towards and dragging the whole country with them. And in this regard, I think the start of today's talks in Geneva is very important. I think it is very important today to think about how to get out of this situation, to offer people a real, not ostentatious, but real dialogue."

As Russia meets with Ukraine the U.S. and EU in Switzerland, Putin underscores the need for diplomacy.

(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN, SAYING:

"Only through the dialogue, through democratic procedures, and not through using armed forces, tanks and aviation, one can restore order in the country."

Putin accused Ukraine's le