(CNN) -- A face-to-face encounter between U.S. President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, at events to commemorate the D-Day anniversary could put a dent in the message of present-day unity.
The two are at loggerheads over Russia's actions in Ukraine -- and any words exchanged may not be friendly.
However, they are among the leaders invited to take part in French ceremonies Friday marking the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings, which helped change the course of World War II.
Both attended a formal lunch for world leaders and veterans hosted by French President Francois Hollande at a chateau near the beaches where the invasion was staged.
But they arrived a good space of time apart, and a plan of the seating order at lunch shows them four places away from each other.
With Hollande and the queens of Britain and Denmark between them, the two are unlikely to have to converse.
They will also both attend an international ceremony at Sword Beach on Friday afternoon.
Hollande has gone to great lengths to prevent an uncomfortable meeting.
On Thursday evening, he dined with Obama before hosting a separate dinner with Putin. Talk about awkward dinner parties.
Speaking Thursday in Brussels, Belgium, Obama said the two are likely to cross paths in France, but no formal talks have been announced.
If they should speak, Obama said, he will give Putin the same message on Ukraine that he has given him in phone calls over past weeks and in his public statements.
On Thursday, after a meeting of G7 leaders from which Russia was excluded, Obama offered stern words about Russia's actions in Ukraine.
Putin 'has a chance to get back into a lane of international law,' Obama said.
Obama said Putin could start by recognizing Ukraine's new President-elect Petro Poroshenko, stopping the flow of weapons over the border into Ukraine and ceasing Russian support for pro-Russia separatists in Ukraine.
Putin, in an interview with French television station TF1, did not discount the possibility of meeting with Obama.
'As for my relations with Barack Obama, I have no reason whatsoever to believe he is not willing to talk to the President of Russia,' he said. 'But ultimately, it is his choice. I am always ready for dialogue, and I think that dialogue is the best way to bridge any gaps.'
The D-Day events also could bring Putin and Ukraine's Poroshenko face to face.
Asked whether he would speak with Ukraine's new leader, Putin said he will not 'evade' Poroshenko or anyone else.
'There will be other guests, and I'm not going to avoid any of them. I will talk with all of them,' he said, according to the Kremlin's translation.
Posted by Unknown on Saturday, June 7, 2014 - Rating: 4.5
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