CRI听力:Ukraine Fighting Intensifies ahead of Peace Talks

Both government forces and the rebels are claiming significant advances.

Close to 40 people have been killed in the latest battles, which have included a rocket strike on Kiev's military headquarters in the east.

Meanwhile, on the diplomatic front, representatives of Ukraine, Russia, the rebels and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe are meeting in Minsk to lay the groundwork for a peace summit between the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France.

There are reports suggesting a ceasefire agreement has been reached at the talks.

However, those reports have not been confirmed.

German Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier.

"Holding the summit alone does not guarantee its success, so I hope and expect that Kiev and Moscow will be serious and grasp this opportunity now. I hope that none of those involved in the fighting will push things so far that Minsk is called into question by an explosion of violence in the final hours."

US President Barack Obama has been warning his administration may begin supplying weapons to Ukraine if diplomacy fails to end the fighting.

Moscow has warned of consequences if the US goes ahead with that threat.

British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond says the UK is also going to reserve the right to review its decision not to offer lethal military aid to Kiev.

"It is a national decision for each country in the NATO alliance to decide whether to supply lethal aid to Ukraine. The UK is not planning to do so but we reserve the right to keep this position under review."

The Minsk summit is said to be focused on the creation of a demilitarized zone and the withdrawal of heavy weapons.

The European Union has decided to hold off implementing any new sanctions against Russia in connection with the situation in Ukraine.