French President Francois Hollande has welcomed German Chancellor Angela Merkel to the Elysee Palace ahead of discussions set to be dominated by the crisis in Ukraine.

In the run-up to the meeting the language on the situation in Kyiv has been wrapped in diplomatic tones.

Paris and Berlin have already said the situation needs to be “re-evaluated”

A spokeswoman for the German Chancellor said there would be further steps with regard to that.

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said: “We are not going to remain indifferent. France intends to act.” He added there could be a range of sanctions notably against those behind the violence, stressing France would like to work with Germany at EU level.