Fighting rages, as Russia and Ukrainian leaders hold talks
- 10 years ago
After months of violence, the fighting rages on in eastern Ukraine.
Ukrainian forces are taking cover in a school... shielding themselves from incoming fire and sending bullets toward pro-Russian separatists.
As shots ring out east of Donetsk, the leaders of Russia and Ukraine met for talks in Minsk... agreeing on the need to "de-escalate" and free hostages.
But the Belarussian president, who hosted the talks, says fundamental differences remain.
Starting with a handshake, the talks were aimed at defusing a separatist war that has heightened tensions between Russia and NATO and has prompted the U.S. and the EU to slap sanctions on Russia.
President Vladimir Putin says Russia will respect a country's sovereignty, but not at their own expense.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRESIDENT, VLADIMIR PUTIN, SAYING:
"Russia has always respected and will respect the sovereign choice of any country in organizing its political life and forming economic and m
Ukrainian forces are taking cover in a school... shielding themselves from incoming fire and sending bullets toward pro-Russian separatists.
As shots ring out east of Donetsk, the leaders of Russia and Ukraine met for talks in Minsk... agreeing on the need to "de-escalate" and free hostages.
But the Belarussian president, who hosted the talks, says fundamental differences remain.
Starting with a handshake, the talks were aimed at defusing a separatist war that has heightened tensions between Russia and NATO and has prompted the U.S. and the EU to slap sanctions on Russia.
President Vladimir Putin says Russia will respect a country's sovereignty, but not at their own expense.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRESIDENT, VLADIMIR PUTIN, SAYING:
"Russia has always respected and will respect the sovereign choice of any country in organizing its political life and forming economic and m