DHAKA: Russian President Vladimir Putin met Ukrainian President-elect Petro Poroshenko for the first time since his election, at a D-Day event in France.

The two leaders, along with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, agreed to discuss a ceasefire, BBC reports.

Putin also spoke briefly to the US president, the White House said.

The meetings came as fighting continued in east Ukraine, with government forces reportedly launching a tank attack near the rebel stronghold of Sloviansk.

The Ukrainian authorities have announced an "active phase" of what they call an anti-terrorist operation in and around Sloviansk, which was seized by pro-Russian militants several weeks ago.

BDST: 2110 HRS, JUN 06, 2014