Ukraine crisis: Nato meeting to step up pressure on Russia

Nato foreign ministers are due to discuss ways to help Ukraine and reassure allies in Eastern Europe, at a meeting in Brussels.



It is the first time ministers from the 28 member states have convened since Russia’s takeover of Crimea caused a diplomatic crisis.



Nato has bolstered annual air drills being held over Baltic countries later.



Meanwhile, Russia has reportedly ordered a partial withdrawal of its troops from the border with Ukraine.



President Vladimir Putin told German Chancellor Angela Merkel he had ordered the move in a telephone conversation on Monday,according to the German government.



Thousands of Russian soldiers are still said to be deployed along the eastern border of Ukraine.



Meanwhile, Russian energy firm Gazprom is increasing the price it charges Ukraine for gas from Tuesday.



Gazprom Alexei Miller said last month that Kiev had failed to pay its bills, believed to be more than $1.5bn (£900m).