The Russian and Ukrainian presidents are set to hold their first meeting at a summit in Paris on Monday, moderated by French and German leaders and aiming to bring peace closer in eastern Ukraine.

"Believe me, it's a lot easier to hold talks, feeling your strength and your support behind me," Zelensky said in the snow-covered town of Chasiv Yar, close to the frontline.

Dressed in a khaki jacket and trousers, the 41-year-old president pinned medals on servicemen, before going to meet troops on the frontline.

While no breakthrough is expected on Europe's only active war, the holding of the summit is seen as a hopeful sign after high-level talks have stalled for the last three years.

The conflict between Kiev and pro-Russian supporters has killed more than 13,000 people and lasted more than 5 years.

Kiev and its Western allies accuse Moscow of financing and arming the separatists, which Russia denies.