Hollande and Merkel on Ukrainian and Russian Tour to Push Peace Plan

A who's who of international diplomats and leaders gathered in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev as fighting in the east of the country continued to increase in intensity.

The New York Times reports that French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel met with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko to discuss if there were any avenues to peace that had not yet been gridlocked by war.

Hollande said that Germany and France had prepared and presented a peace plan to Poroshenko that respected Ukraine's territorial integrity. Hollande and Merkel will then present the plan to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Times reports the plan is the result of a long message Putin sent to Germany that is rumored to have been filled with policies Russia thinks might be acceptable enough to end the fighting.

One diplomat told the Times however, that the plans were just a way to establish an enclave that was essentially governed by Russia.

The peace talks may be a last ditch effort to prevent the further involvement of the United States in the conflict. It has been reported that President Obama is currently considering expanding US involvement in Ukraine to include the provision to lethal aid and supplies.

The United States has been limiting its involvement to non-lethal aid like uniforms, night vision goggles, and field rations. The Times says that Merkel will travel to Washington DC to meet with Obama and a decision about lethal aid will be announced shortly thereafter.

Hollande said that France would not be a party to the talks about providing lethal aid, but that no one can say France did not try everything in its power to maintain peace in eastern Ukraine.

While in Kiev, Kerry announced humanitarian aid valued at $16.4 million.