MUNICH — French President Francois Hollande is proposing a broader demilitarized zone in Ukraine and greater autonomy for the pro-separatist eastern region.

In an interview with France 2 television on Saturday, Hollande said a plan under negotiation would see a 50- to 70-kilometer (30 to 45-mile) demilitarized zone.

He called for a "rather strong" autonomy in the east.

Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel are spearheading a flurry of diplomacy to calm the crisis between Russia and Ukraine.

The leaders of all four countries are expected to speak Sunday.

More than 5,300 people have been killed since fighting began in April, according to a U.N. tally, and the bloodshed has markedly increased over the past two weeks.