Ukraine: Hollande determined for peace talks to succeed, but without any certainty

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, left, shakes end with French President Francois Hollande, at the end of their meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Tuesday Feb. 10, 2015. (AP Photo/Remy de la Mauviniere) (The Associated Press)

French President Francois Hollande, left, greets Romania President Klaus Iohannis prior to their meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Tuesday Feb. 10, 2015. (AP Photo/Remy de la Mauviniere) (The Associated Press)

PARIS – French president Francois Hollande said he is determined for Ukraine peace talks to succeed, but without any certainty, ahead of a planned meeting Wednesday in Minsk between the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France.

Hollande said "it is our common interest to get a global agreement." He spoke to reporters following a meeting Tuesday with the president of Romania, one of Ukraine's neighbors, as fighting in eastern Ukraine intensified. He also stressed the economic "benefit" of resuming normal trade with Russia.

Germany's Foreign Ministry earlier said talks between senior officials from the four countries to pave the way for the summit of leaders in Minsk will take place Tuesday evening.

Hollande said he would have a phone call with German chancellor Angela Merkel before the peace talks resume.