(CNN) A much anticipated encounter between President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin came on the sidelines of a lunch held Friday to mark the 70th anniversary of D Day.
But a conversation between Putin and Ukrainian President elect Petro Poroshenko may have been more fruitful.
We believe it's a good thing they were able to speak but it's not a substitute for the steps it (Russia) needs to take to deescalate things especially violence a senior administration official said. It's a positive thing that they spoke but more needs to be done.
The official said Putin has publicly voiced support for Poroshenko but he's not taking steps to back that up.
World War II reenactors walk along Omaha Beach near Vierville sur Mer France on Friday June 6 the 70th anniversary of D Day. British veteran John Trevor sits by the beach in Arromanches les Bains on June 6. A British World War II veteran takes a picture of wreaths at the British War Cemetery in Bayeux France. World leaders pose for a photograph after ceremonies at Chateau de Benouville in Benouville France. World War II veterans from the U.S. 29th Infantry Division from left Hal Baumgarter Steve Melnikoff Don McCarthy and Morley Piper attend a D Day commemoration on Omaha Beach. Michel Colas talks with his grandsons Samuel Colas and Rafael Schneider at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville sur Mer France. Queen Elizabeth pays her respects after laying a wreath during a ceremony at the British War Cemetery in Bayeux France. A Dutch B 25 Mitchell top and Spitfire fly over Arromanches les Bains France during a joint French Dutch ceremony. British veteran James Rawe arrives at Sword Beach in Ouistreham France. The beaches of Normandy are seen from a helicopter on June 6. French Republican Guards stay in the shade before a ceremony in Ouistreham. President Obama and French President Francois Hollande survey Omaha Beach on June 6. World War II veterans listen to President Barack Obama at the Normandy American Cemetery on June 6. A Norwegian World War II veteran arrives for a joint French Norwegian D Day ceremony in Hermanville sur Mer France. President Obama greets veterans during the ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery. From left Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott Britain's Prince Charles and British Prime Minister David Cameron walk through Bayeux after the ceremony. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Photos 70th anniversary of D Day D Day by the numbers D Day by the numbers WWII veteran relives Normandy jump A timeline of World War IIPutin and Poroshenko's conversation included plans to discuss a cease fire in the coming days the office of French President Francois Hollande said.
It would have to be mutual the administration official said of the cease fire. Not just on the part of the people of Ukraine but also the Russians.
During their informal aside Obama told Putin that to reduce tensions in Ukraine Russia must recognize Poroshenko as the country's legitimate leader and stop supporting separatists in eastern Ukraine.
Obama also told Putin that Russia must stop the flow of weapons across the border into Ukraine Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes said.
Working with the Ukrainian leadership is the only way to reverse Russia's increasing isolation Obama said according to Rhodes.
We didn't think it was the right time place or circumstances to have a discussion the senior administration official said. We believe they haven't legitimately recognized Poroshenko.
The talk lasted 10 to 15 minutes.
Speculation had been brewing that the American and Russian leaders would meet despite apparently elaborate steps taken by Hollande to avoid a tense encounter.
On Thursday he dined with Obama before hosting a separate dinner with Putin.
The pair were also seated well apart for the D Day lunch. With Hollande and the queens of Britain and Denmark between them the two seemed unlikely to have to converse unless they wanted to.
The World War II commemorative events also brought Putin and Poroshenko together in their first face to face meeting.
They talked briefly before the leaders went to the D Day lunch. German Chancellor Angela Merkel stood with them as they spoke.
Putin and Poroshenko shook hands before their informal exchange Hollande's office told CNN.
No interaction was seen between Obama and Putin at that point.
Obama warns Russia over Ukraine Obama They sacrificed so we can be free President Barack Obama and French President Francois Hollande pause for a moment of silence after laying a wreath at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville sur Mer France on Friday June 6 the 70th anniversary of D Day. Obama's travel agenda also includes Poland and Belgium. President Obama waves during a D Day ceremony. President Obama greets veterans during the D Day ceremony in Colleville sur Mer. President Obama laughs with British Prime Minister David Cameron left and Hollande during a G7 session in Brussels Belgium on Thursday June 5. The G7 heads of state pose for a group photo with the presidents of the European Council and the European Commission during the second day of their meeting in Brussels on June 5. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso left and European Council President Herman Van Rompuy welcome Obama at the G7 meeting in Brussels on Wednesday June 4. From left Queen Mathilde and King Philippe of Belgium Polish first lady Anna Komorowska Obama and Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski attend a ceremony in Warsaw Poland on June 4 to mark the 25th anniversary of Poland's return to democracy. Obama speaks at the 25th anniversary celebrations in Warsaw on June 4. Poland's historic election led by the Solidarity movement in 1989 was the beginning of the end of communism in this country and across Europe Obama said. Obama meets with Ukrainian President elect Petro Poroshenko in Warsaw on June 4. Obama voiced his support for Poroshenko and called for the international community to stand solidly behind him as his government tries to quell a pro Russian separatist uprising in the country's east. Obama and Komorowski gesture toward each other at a news conference in Warsaw on Tuesday June 3. Obama at right is seated with a U.S. delegation as he participates in a bilateral meeting with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and the Polish delegation in Warsaw on June 3. While in Poland Obama announced he would ask Congress for $1 billion to be put toward bolstering NATO's security alliance in Europe. A Polish security official right stands watch as Obama and Komorowski make statements after meeting U.S. and Polish troops at an event in Warsaw on June 3. The main focus of Obama's Poland visit comes Wednesday June 4 when he will give a speech 25 years after the nation's historic elections of 1989. Komorowski welcomes Obama at his residence in Warsaw on June 3. Obama hailed Poland as one of our great friends and one of our strongest allies in the world. Obama waves from Air Force One before departing from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Monday June 2. It's Obama's third foreign trip in as many months and it caps a period of heavy foreign policy focus for the President. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Obama tours Europe'Lane of international law'
Speaking Thursday in Brussels Belgium Obama said he and Putin were likely to cross paths in France although no formal meeting was planned.
Obama said then that if they spoke he would give Putin the same message on Ukraine that he has given him in phone calls over past weeks and in his public statements.
Putin has a chance to get back into a lane of international law he said.
Obama said Putin could start by recognizing Poroshenko stopping the flow of weapons over the border into Ukraine and ceasing Russian support for pro Russian separatists in Ukraine.
Putin in an interview with French television station TF1 did not discount the possibility of meeting with Obama.
As for my relations with Barack Obama I have no reason whatsoever to believe he is not willing to talk to the President of Russia he said. But ultimately it is his choice. I am always ready for dialogue and I think that dialogue is the best way to bridge any gaps.
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