Ukraine crisis: 'No breakthrough' in Putin-EU talks

(BBC) - The presidents of Russia and Ukraine have held talks with the EU, but there has been no apparent breakthrough on how to end the crisis in Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin and Petro Poroshenko - who were joined by EU leaders in Milan - described the talks as positive but also difficult.

The West says Russia is arming separatist rebels and sending troops to eastern Ukraine. Moscow denies this.

The presidents did say outlines of a deal on a gas dispute had been agreed.

"We have agreed on the main parameters of the contract," Mr Poroshenko said, adding that "we could not reach any practical results".

Mr Putin said there was "progress" on the issue but that questions remained on how Kiev would pay its huge gas debts - estimated to be $4.5bn (£2.8bn) - to Moscow.

Most Russian gas supplies to Europe are delivered via Ukraine, and Mr Putin has warned Europe of "major transit risks" unless Ukraine settles the row.

Russia cut gas supplies to Ukraine in the summer, accusing Kiev of failing to pay its debts. Ukraine says the price set by Moscow is unfair.

Bakudaily.Az