File photo of Russian President Vladimir Putin. (AFP)
Paris:
The French president will meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in the coming days, amid renewed Western concern about violence in Ukraine and mounting Russian pressure on France over a stalled warship deal.
An official in the French president's office said today that Francois Hollande will meet with Putin at the G-20 summit in Australia this weekend, where Ukraine's unrest is a point of division among world leaders.
A cease-fire in Ukraine has effectively collapsed and convoys of weaponry have been seen in rebel-held areas. Some European leaders have urged more sanctions against Russia and Russian-backed separatists.
Meanwhile, France suspended delivery of a billion-euro helicopter carrier to Russia because of the Ukraine tensions. The ship was scheduled for handover this year, and France risks big penalties if it doesn't deliver.