France says hopes to have Ukraine leaders' summit in coming weeks

French President Emmanuel Macron said he hoped talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday would lead to a leaders' summit on the crisis in Ukraine over the coming weeks.

Speaking shortly after receiving Putin at his summer residence in southern France, Macron said the two leaders would also discuss how to de-escalate tensions over Iran, the Syria conflict and arms control issues.

Macron also called for the respect of free speech and free elections in Russia.