REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BERLIN -- German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier here Monday warned of threat of outbreak of a new Cold War in Europe amid the ongoing Ukrainian crisis, according to news reports.

While the return to a Cold War in the 21st century is not acceptable, it also cannot be ruled out, Steinmeier was quoted saying ahead of the Tuesday meeting of NATO foreign ministers who are set to discuss possible military aid to Ukraine.

It is important to prevent a new rift in Europe, the top German diplomat added.

Meanwhile, Steinmeier welcomed Russia's reported partial troop pullback from the its border with Ukraine, calling it a 'de-escalation signal.'

Acting as a mediator in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Berlin has intensified diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions between Moscow and Kiev.

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