Merkel Heads to Moscow to Pull Ukraine Back From Brink

Vladimir Putin will face pressure from Angela Merkel and Francois Hollande for a cease-fire in Ukraine on Friday as U.S. and Russian officials voiced skepticism that a quick resolution to end the escalating violence is possible.

The German and French leaders head to Moscow to present a peace plan, countering a proposal from Putin that lays separatist claim to swathes of eastern Ukrainian territory. The talks take place in an atmosphere of distrust on all sides, with U.S. and European leaders saying that Russia is sending its troops to Ukraine. Putin responds that his enemies are trying to encircle Russia and back it into a corner.

The talks are scheduled to start at 5 p.m. in Moscow. There are currently no plans to brief reporters after the discussions conclude.

Merkel’s sudden decision to travel to the Russian capital comes as Europe’s worst diplomatic crisis since the Cold War threatens to deteriorate further. As the death toll in east Ukraine mounts following a renewed surge by pro-Russian separatists, some U.S. officials are suggesting that the Obama administration should arm the Ukrainian army.