Ukraine crisis talks to begin in Minsk

The talks are planned to involve former president of Ukraine Leonid Kuchma, Russia's ambassador in Kiev Mikhail Zurabov and an OSCE diplomat. Representatives of the so called Donetsk People's Republic also voiced their intention to come to Minsk.

Meanwhile, political commentators political commentators suggest that the peacemaking role could improve Belarus's image in the West. The negotiations will take place in Minsk at the request of Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko who called Aliaksandr Lukashenka on Tuesday. The Belarus president agreed to provide the 'Minsk venues' for the talks.

Street poll: Wil Belarus pacify Ukraine and Russia? (audio)

Photo: ria.ru