"It was confirmed that there is no other alternative to resolve the situation than through peaceful political means," the spokesman said.

Later in the day, Putin said that Ukraine must stop what he called a "punitive" military operation in its southeast region of the country and warned Russia would retaliate with measures to protect its economy if Kiev signed an association pact with the European Union. He also suggested that an immediate ceasefire was necessary for talks to begin.

Hollande had invited Poroshenko as his personal guest to the ceremonies for the 70th anniversary of D-Day, saying the event should be used to "serve the purposes of peace."

The brief interaction between Poroshenko and Putin comes as the two countries also remain entangled in a gas despute. Ukraine and Russia plan to restart talks during the coming weekend to resolve the conflict that centers over gas prices, and Kiev is considering paying off debts for last year's Russian supplies, a government source in Ukraine said Friday. The two sides held two days of talks earlier this week to try to settle the dispute, which could threaten gas flows to Europe.