Russia US talks are expected to bring some solution to the situation with Crimea, Ukraine

Russia's foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, and the US secretary of state, John Kerry, are to meet in London on Friday for talks on Ukraine before Sunday's planned referendum in Crimea.

The two will meet at the US ambassador's residence in central London as Kerry attempts to head off a vote that could lead to Crimea – now under the control of Russian troops – deciding to become part of Russia.

Both the US and the EU say that if the referendum – which they have declared illegal – goes ahead, Moscow will face the prospect of fresh sanctions being imposed.

Full text here: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/14/ukraine-crisis-john-kerry-sergey-lavrov-meet-london-talks