Posted on 06/06/2014 3:11:25 PM PDT by tcrlaf
The American, Russian and incoming Ukrainian leaders have discussed, in separate meetings in France, a ceasefire and other possible steps to de-escalate the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, reports said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin held brief one-on-one talks on Friday with his US counterpart Barack Obama and Ukraine's Petro Poroshenko, in a possible diplomatic breakthrough that played out amid continuing violence in eastern Ukraine.
In remarks to reporters, Putin said the meetings with Poroshenko and other Western leaders were positive, and described talks with Obama as "substantial".
"I think the exchange of views was very positive," he said after attending the ceremonies marking the 70th anniversary of D-Day alongside US, British, French and German leaders.
Putin, however, said that Poroshenko, who will take his oath as president of Ukraine on Saturday, must first stop "punitive" operations in the eastern part of his country.
"Ukraine must demonstrate its good will. The repressive operation must be stopped."
It was the first meeting between the two men since pro-Western chocolate tycoon Poroshenko won Ukraine's presidential election on May 25.
(Excerpt) Read more at aljazeera.com ...
Speaking of Obama, check out the gif of Obama Meeting Putin with the article, filmed by French TV. The body language says it all, and watch how Putin rolls his eyes after Obama speaks.
Is Russia offering to pull out their troops?
I seen that LOL!
Article offers no direct quotes supporting the claim that a "ceasefire was discussed".
The wisest of us all have yet to learn how to escort a woman down stairs
BBC video: Merkel literally forces Putin and Poroshenko to talk to each other.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUVzpLtOOdA
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