Secret recording shows Obama and Putin's 'informal conversation' - moments after President publicly ignored Russian leader at D-Day memorial

Obama was 'close enough to touch' the Russian president but went to great pains to avoid him as they gathered with other leaders on Friday

But they did have an informal conversation for 10 to 15 minutes during a lunch at Chateau de Benouville, the White House said



President Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly ignored each other today as they stood just feet apart during a for state leaders' commemorating the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

World figures met in France in the midst of a current geopolitical crisis, with Putin standing alongside leaders, including Obama, who are against his aggressive moves into Ukraine.

All eyes were on Putin and Obama as they refused to acknowledge each other at the group photograph before keeping their distance as they headed to lunch at the Chateau de Benouville.

But as speculation mounted over whether or not they would talk, the White House confirmed that the pair did indeed speak 'for 10 to 15 minutes' once they went inside for the luncheon.

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Together: Only Queen Elizabeth, French President Francois Hollande and Queen Margrethe of Denmark separated President Obama (left) and Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) in the group photo

As Putin hovered nearby, the president 'made a point of jovially greeting other leaders, kissing Merkel on both cheeks, but he and Putin seemed to go out of their way not to encounter each other'.

The men were also pictured walking within feet of each other as they headed to the chateau - with Obama accompanying the Queen just a few steps behind.

Obama 'could have tapped him on the shoulder if he wanted to but instead focused his attention elsewhere as if not noticing who was there', the pool reporter noted.

Obama told reporters on Thursday that if he and Putin did speak, he would tell him that he has a new path to engage with Ukraine through President-elect Petro Poroshenko, who takes office Saturday.