Russian President Vladimir Putin called on Tuesday for an immediate halt to Ukraine’s military operation against people in the east of the country.

Russian President Vladimir Putin called on Tuesday for an immediate halt to Ukraine's military operation against people in the east of the country. Putin has talked on the telephone with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, RT reported the Kremlin press office's statement.
         
"The two countries' leaders have exchanged opinions on the situation in Ukraine in the context of the results of the presidential elections held on May 25, 2014," the document said.

Mutual condolences have been offered due to the tragic death of Italian reporter Andrea Rochelli and Russian citizen Andrei Mironov, who accompanied him, the press office said.

"Putin has emphasized the necessity of immediately stopping the tactical punitive operation in southeastern regions and introducing peaceful dialogue between Kiev and representatives of the regions," the statement said.

Putin and Renzi have given a high assessment to the current level and prospects of Russian-Italian cooperation, the Kremlin said. "Certain issues of cooperation in different spheres, first in the energy sector, have been discussed," the statement said.