Russia Criticized at Nato Talks

Western leaders have criticised Russia for its "destabilising" influence on the crisis in eastern Ukraine, as they opened a Nato summit in Wales.

They said pressure on Russia would be increased if it did not change course. Russia denies claims that it arms rebels and has troops in Ukraine.

Separately, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and rebel leaders said a ceasefire could be agreed on Friday.

Some 2,600 people have died in fighting between Ukrainian troops and rebels.

Ukraine's military said 837 its soldiers have died since the conflict erupted in April.

The conflict has forced more than a million people from their homes in eastern Ukraine, according to the UN.

Ukrainian government forces have recently suffered several losses of territory, after rebels launched offensives in both the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, and further south around the city of Mariupol on the Azov Sea.

Reports are emerging that the separatists have begun shelling the outer defences of Mariupol. At least two military vehicles were seen on fire in the area, and eyewitnesses spoke of gunfire.

Meanwhile, President Poroshenko said "the implementation" of a peace plan - which includes a bilateral ceasefire - could start on Friday.

He said this depended on planned talks in Minsk between representatives of Ukraine, Russia, the pro-Russian rebels and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

Rebel leaders were later quoted as saying they would order a ceasefire at 11:00 GMT on Friday if the peace plan was agreed.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier he hope a deal could be agreed on Friday.

BBC