France, Germany discuss situation in Ukraine

French President Francois Hollande held phone talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy over the situation in Ukraine, the president's office said.

During their conversations, the European leaders hoped Geneva's four-way talks will open the way to a de-escalation in Ukraine, Xinhua reported.

They agreed to maintain close cooperation within the European Union (EU) to take measures in accordance with its results.

Top diplomats of Russia, Ukraine, the US and the EU held emergency talks earlier on Thursday to seek a peaceful alternative to ease tensions in Ukraine after pro-Russian fighters seized several buildings in the eastern part of the country.

According to a statement issued after the meeting, they agreed that all sides must refrain from any violence, intimidation or provocative actions.