The Russian and Ukrainian Presidents are due to meet face-to-face for crucial talks in the Belorussian capital Minsk on Tuesday.
Vladimir Putin and Petro Poroshenko will hold their first talks since a brief encounter in France on the fringes of June's commemorations of the Normandy landings.
The Ukrainian President wants Vladimir Putin to exercise greater control over pro-Russian separatists.
The Russians want the Ukrainians to offer greater protection to ethnic Russian populations.
Stewart Partrick of the New York-based Council on Foreign Relations says a breakthrough at the talks seems unlikely.
IN: "The question…."
OUT: "….gonna be tough"
DUR: 18 seconds
(ALT)
Stewart Patrick of the New York-based Council on Foreign Relations says the talks face several challenges.
IN: "The Ukrainian position…."
OUT: "…a non-starter"
DUR: 19 seconds
(ALT)
Stewart Patrick of the New York-based Council on Foreign Relations says Vladimir Putin heads to the talks under pressure, as western sanctions against Russia bite.
IN: "Putin himself…."
OUT: "…way of sanctions"
DUR: 17 seconds