Ukrainian crisis

The leaders of France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine have begun talks to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, while pro-Russia separatists tighten the pressure on Kiev by launching some of the war's worst fighting.

As talks got under way in Belarus on Wednesday, Ukraine's army said 19 of its soldiers were killed in rebel assaults near the railway town of Debaltseve.

Rebels who tore up a five-month-old truce in January are trying to encircle government forces in Debaltseve, a strategic location that would let them link up their main strongholds.

Ukraine peace talks begin amid surge in conflict