French President Francois Hollande and his American counterpart Barack Obama on Monday expressed hope that next Thursday's meeting involving Russia, Ukraine, the United States and the EU would pave way for a de-escalation in the region.
According to a press release from his office, the Elysee, Hollande had a phone conversation with Obama over issues on Ukraine after pro-Russian protests seized several state buildings in the east of Ukraine.
In response, Ukraine's acting president Oleksandr Turchynov threatened military action.
Expressing concerns over the recent development in Kiev, the French head of state "has called for restraint and to avoid any provocations."
He also stressed Paris determination to impose with its European allies firm and graduate sanctions against Russia.
At a meeting in Luxembourg, French Foreign Affairs Minister Laurent Fabius on Monday said the EU would hold an emergency meeting on the Ukrainian crisis and impose further sanctions on Moscow.
