France's Hollande says real risk of escalation in Ukraine

French President Francois Hollande (L) stands next to German Economy Minister Gabrie before a meeting with European social democratic leaders at the castle of La Celle-Saint-Cloud, near Paris, France, August 25, 2016. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

PARIS (Reuters) - French President Francois Hollande warned on Tuesday that tensions in Ukraine had worsened in recent months and were at risk of further deteriorating.

Hollande said he and German Chancellor Angela Merkel had had contact throughout August with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Petro Poroshenko.