Ukraine Crisis: US-Russia Deadlock Despite 'Frank' Talks

[Purveyor]

US Secretary of State John Kerry has announced no breakthrough on Ukraine, following four hours of "frank" talks with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.

Mr Kerry said he told Mr Lavrov that the US still considered Russia's takeover of Ukraine's Crimea region to be "illegal and illegitimate".

--CLIP

'Differences of opinion'

Mr Lavrov has categorically denied any plans for an invasion.

At a separate briefing, the Russian foreign minister said he and Mr Kerry agreed to work with the Ukrainian government to improve rights for Russian-speaking Ukrainians and disarm "irregular forces and provocateurs".

Moscow claims that "fascists" have taken power in Ukraine, jeopardising the safety of Russian speakers.

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http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26814651