Talks For A Ukraine Ceasefire Gain Momentum (Updated)

Battlefield Losses, Politics Push Ukraine Leader To Seek Peace -- Reuters

* Ceasefire without military victory risky for Poroshenko
* Truce will cement battlefield "draw", avert risk of defeat
* President wants election to go ahead, to tackle economy

KIEV, Sept 4 (Reuters) - In a week that has confused many Ukraine watchers, President Petro Poroshenko accused Moscow of launching "direct and open aggression" against his country and two days later said a peace process could begin as early as Friday.

As his office announced Poroshenko and Russia's President Vladimir Putin had reached agreement on a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine - a statement swiftly denied by Moscow - Ukraine's prime minister added to the confusion by branding Russia a "terrorist state" whose support for peace talks was just a sly ruse.

Then on Thursday, speaking on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Wales where he won fresh pledges of Western support, Poroshenko confirmed he would order a ceasefire on Friday if a proposed peace plan was signed in Minsk as expected.

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More News On A Ukraine Ceasefire

Ukraine, Rebels Voice Hope on a Peace Deal -- ABC News/AP
Ukraine, rebels say they are ready for cease-fire -- AP
Ukraine and rebels back peace plan, ceasefire from Friday -- Reuters
Ukraine president, separatists predict cease-fire but with big 'ifs' -- L.A. Times
Ukraine Leader Says He Seeks Cease-Fire to Begin on Friday -- NYT
Ukrainian president would order ceasefire if Minsk peace talks confirmed -- The Guardian
Putin and Poroshenko Take Step Towards Freezing Conflict in Ukraine's East -- Moscow Times
Rebels say will order ceasefire in east Ukraine if deal reached with Kiev -- Reuters
Rebel leader demands 'proper guarantees' in Ukraine ceasefire -- Reuters
Donetsk Negotiator:Full Withdrawal of Kiev Troops Needed for Ceasefire in East Ukraine -- RIA Novosti
Rebels want monitors, humanitarian corridor under ceasefire plan: Interfax -- Reuters
Russia's Lavrov discusses Ukraine peace plans with French, German ministers -- Reuters

Head of Kremlin rights council sees 'light at end of tunnel' in Ukraine crisis -- Reuters