File photo of Russian President Vladimir Putin. (AFP)
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.