Cameron, Putin discuss Ukraine situation

British Prime Minister David Cameron Friday discussed situation in Ukraine, particularly escalating violence in Crimea, with Russian President Vladimir Putin over phone.

"The Prime Minister emphasised that all countries should respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine," Xinhua quoted a Downing Street spokesperson as saying.

The official said Putin agreed while stressing that Russian military exercises in the area had been planned before the current situation in Ukraine. The two leaders also discussed how the international community could support Ukraine on the path to stability.

Both agreed that the free and fair elections that the interim government has pledged to hold are the best way to secure a positive future for Ukraine in which all Ukrainian people are represented, he said.

The two also agreed the international community should also consider how to help the interim government tackle the economic situation, the spokesperson added.