Germany has called on Russia and others participating in the upcoming talks on the Ukraine crisis to help stabilize the situation in Ukraine and expressed support for a diplomatic solution despite gas dispute.

The German government, according to a statement posted Monday on its website, is deeply concerned over the current situation in eastern Ukraine.

Russia has a special responsibility for preventing further escalations and helping stabilize the situation in Ukraine, the statement said.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has described the situation in eastern Ukraine as "highly dangerous", German media reported.

Steinmeier told German ARD television on Sunday that the German government is holding on to a diplomatic solution despite the dispute over Russian gas supplies.

As for the upcoming meeting involving Russia, Ukraine, the United States and the European Union in Geneva, the minister said the meeting itself is already "a small breakthrough".

Steinmeier warned against exaggerated expectations, but said the meeting is likely to bring about a working plan.

The four participating parties, he noted, should make common efforts to prevent the situation in Ukraine from worsening, adding that the long-term aim is to contribute to realizing de-escalation and thereby helping stabilize the country economically and politically.