Russian President Vladimir Putin met his embattled Ukrainian counterpart Viktor Yanukovych on the sidelines of the Winter Olympics, officials say.
Neither side would confirm what was discussed during the informal conversation during the opening ceremony in the Russian city of Sochi.
Russia has frozen delivery of a $15bn (£9bn) bailout programme pending the formation of a new government in Kiev.
Mass anti-government protests erupted in Ukraine in late November.
Under pressure from Moscow, President Yanukovych had refused to sign a far-reaching association and trade agreement with the EU.
Amid continuing protests, Mr Yanukovych has accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Mykola Azarov - widely seen as pro-Moscow - and a new prime minister has yet to be nominated.
Struggle for influence
The meeting between Mr Putin and Mr Yanukovych in Sochi on Friday evening was confirmed by senior Russian and Ukrainian officials.
There was no information about what was discussed, but correspondents speculate it was likely to include the suspended Russian financial package - which Ukraine desperately needs in the face of a sliding currency, dwindling foreign reserves and rising borrowing costs.
Last week Ukraine's central bank imposed new capital controls in a bid to shore up the Ukrainian currency, the hryvnya.
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