PARIS - French President Francois Hollande held phone talks Thursday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy over the situation in Ukraine, the presidency office, the Elysee said.

During their conversations, the European leaders hoped Geneva's four-way talks will "open the way to a de-escalation (in Ukraine)."

They agreed to maintain close cooperation within the European Union to take all appropriate measures in accordance with its results."

Top diplomats of Russia, Ukraine, United States and European Union held emergency talks earlier on Thursday to seek for a peaceful alternative to ease tensions in Ukraine after pro-Russian fighters seized several buildings in the eastern part of the country.

According to a statement issued after the meeting, they agreed that all sides must refrain from any violence, intimidation or provocative actions.