Talks to Test Russian Stance on Ukraine

U.S. negotiators this week will explore Russian seriousness about a peace deal for Ukraine, where fighting between Kiev forces and Russia-backed separatists has been intensifying.

Talks slated for Friday are the first since the U.S. said it would provide Kiev with defensive weapons and come after Russian negotiators canceled a proposed meeting in December. U.S. officials said Moscow’s reaction to the weapons announcement has been muted.