Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's President-elect Petro Poroshenko have called for a speedy halt to bloodshed and military actions in eastern Ukraine.
Ukraine's President-elect Petro Poroshenko walks past Russian President Vladimir Putin during an international D-Day commemoration ceremony on the beach of Ouistreham, Normandy. Photo: AFP
The two leaders met for the first time since Mr Poroshenko's election, at a D-Day commemorative event in France on Saturday.
Kremlin aide Dmitry Peskove said "during the brief conversation, both Putin and Poroshenko called for a quick end to the bloodshed in south-eastern Ukraine, and also to military activity by both sides", said Kremlin aide Dmitry Peskov.
Mr Putin said an immediate ceasefire was vital to create conditions for talks.
Separately US President Barack Obama spoke to Mr Putin of the need to de-escalate the situation.
Fighting continues in eastern Ukraine, with government forces reportedly launching a tank attack near rebel-held Sloviansk.
The Ukrainian authorities have announced an "active phase" of what they call an anti-terrorist operation in and around Sloviansk, which was seized by pro-Russian militants several weeks ago.
Ukrainian media also reported that one member of the security forces had been killed and several wounded in a mortar attack outside the city.
