Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed he is traveling to Minsk for crucial peace talks with Ukrainian, French and German leaders.
The presence of the leaders has raised a sliver of hope that a deal may be brokered after a Russian diplomatic source said, “The presidents aren’t traveling for no reason.”
The talks hinge on re-establishing a ceasefire that lasts, the withdrawal of heavy weapons and Kiev’s consent to give autonomy to Russian-speaking regions, a crucial point for the pro-Russian forces on the eve of the summit, Euronews said in a report.
A failure to reach a deal could lead to an escalation of the conflict which has already claimed 5,000 lives since it began in April last year.
The meeting is being seen as a last ditch diplomatic push, as the US considers sending weapons to Kiev, though last night Obama emphasized the need for a political solution in a phone call with Putin.
