French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian leader Vladimir Putin were unanimous on heading towards a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine, Macron's office said to news agency AFP as quoted by ndtv.com.

Speaking over phone, the two world leaders also agreed on "the need to favour a diplomatic solution to the ongoing crisis and to do everything to achieve one," the Elysee was quoted adding that French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov would meet "soon..

Putin and Macron would work "to allow the Trilateral Contact Group, including Ukraine, Russia and the OSCE, to meet soon for commiting to a ceasefire at the contact line in eastern Ukraine.

"Intense diplomatic work will take place in the coming days," Macron's office was quoted.

Talks between Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany should start with an aim at implementing the Minsk protocol which in 2014 had sought a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine.

In fact, US President Joe Biden is keen on meeting Putin to avert a war in Ukraine.

Meanwhile in a fresh advisory, the Indian embassy in Ukraine on Sunday asked Indian nationals to leave the eastern European nation temporarily if their stay is not essential.

The advisory came following rising tensions between the NATO countries and Russia over the Ukraine crisis. "In view of the continued high levels of tensions and uncertainties with respect to the situation in Ukraine, all Indian nationals whose stay is not deemed essential and all Indian students, are advised to leave Ukraine temporarily," the embassy said.

It said available commercial flights, and charter flights may be availed for travel, for an "orderly and timely departure" from Ukraine.

"Indian students are advised to also get in touch with respective student contractors for updates on charter flights, and also continue to follow E embassy Facebook, website and Twitter for any update," the embassy said.

According to an official document in 2020, Ukraine had a small but vibrant Indian community and there were about 18,000 Indian students studying in that country.