KIEV – German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday thatEurope was ready to stand by former Soviet republics in the face ofpossible Russian aggression.Whether it is Moldova or Georgia, "we will show them solidarity,"Merkel told the German parliament.Like Ukraine, Moldova has come under pressure from Russia to abandonan association agreement it has negotiated with the European Union.Russia went to war with Georgia in 2008 over the break-awayterritories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.Merkel reiterated her position that Russian intervention in theUkrainian territory of Crimea "was a breach of international law".Western powers have said they would not recognize the outcome of areferendum on joining Russia that Crimea will hold at the weekend.Merkel warned Russia that it would harm itself if it failed to agreeto steps to resolve the crisis in Ukraine."In a period of enormous uncertainty in the Ukraine, Russia has notproven to be a partner for stability for neighbouring countries whichit has close links to but it uses their inherent weaknesses," Merkelsaid. "The territorial integrity of Ukraine cannot be overridden.""Political and diplomatic efforts are the only way out of theconflict," she added.The Russian army continued exercises close to Ukraine's easternborders. Some 4,000 paratroopers, 36 airplanes and 500 armouredvehicles took part in drills in four regions, three of which borderUkraine, Itar-Tass news agency reported, citing defence officials.Photos and videos published by local media in Russia's Belgorodregion showed columns of airborne infantry vehicles and militarytrucks moving through the region, which borders Ukraine's Kharkivindustrial region.