(Charles Dharapak/AP Photo)

COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France - President Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on the sidelines of a D-Day celebration today, their first in-person conversation since Russia's aggression in Ukraine began.

Obama and Putin had a conversation lasting between 10 and 15 minutes at a luncheon hosted by French President Francois Hollande at the Chateau de Benouville, Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes said.

President Obama and President Putin did speak with each other on the margins of the leaders lunch. It was an informal conversation - not a formal bilateral meeting," Rhodes said.

Obama and Putin Draw Cheers and Laughs When They Smile on Split Screen

Obama and Putin were first spotted together at a picture for the heads of state attending the luncheon, including Queen Elizabeth II, who wore a white and green dress with a green hat. In the group photo, Obama and Putin stood with three people between them.

(Regis Duvignau/AP Photo)

As the leaders started to return to the Chateau, Obama checked on Queen Elizabeth while Putin spoke with Hollande. At one point in their walk, Obama stood right behind Putin, so close he could have tapped him on the shoulder. Instead, Obama seemed to focus his attention elsewhere, as if Putin weren't inches away.

At the luncheon, leaders were seated around a horseshoe table, and Obama and Putin again were only separated by three people.

Speculation was high all week about whether Obama and Putin would speak to each other as other world leaders, including Hollande and British Prime Minister David Cameron, announced they would be meeting with Putin this week.