The leaders of Russia and Ukraine have held their first talks since Moscow annexed Crimea, discussing ways to end their four-month conflict in a brief encounter during commemorations in France of the World War Two D-Day landings.

An immediate ceasefire in eastern Ukraine is necessary to create conditions for talks, Russian President Vladimir Putin said today.

Ukraine’s incoming president spoke briefly with Russian president Vladimir Putin after world leaders gathered at D-Day commemoration ceremonies in Normandy.

In another devastating blow to Ukraine’s armed forces, rebels shot down a troop helicopter, killing at least 12 soldiers.