Ukraine ceasefire talks as West plans Russia sanctions

Ukrainian President, Petro Poroshenko, has expressed optimism that a deal could be struck with Russia to end fighting in the east of his country. 

Talks on a ceasefire including Ukraine, Russia and pro-Russia rebels are set to begin at lunchtime in Belarus. 

Meanwhile, Western countries are preparing to tighten sanctions on Russia over its actions in Ukraine if talks in Minsk fail. 

US and British officials say the targets would include Russia's defence industry, state-owned banks and associates of President Vladimir Putin. 

The West accuses Russia of sending arms and troops to back the rebels in eastern Ukraine, but Moscow has denied it. 

A UK government official said the European Union and the US jointly announce the sanctions today including more restrictions on Russian banking, energy and defence. 

BBC