This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/europe/6202251.stm

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Russia's Putin arrives in Ukraine Putin meeting Ukrainian leaders
(about 1 hour later)
Russian President Vladimir Putin is making his first trip to Ukraine since the appointment of the pro-Russian Prime Minister, Viktor Yanukovych. Russia's President Putin is visiting Ukraine for the first time in nearly two years amid signs of improving relations between the two countries.
Mr Putin is holding talks with Ukraine's President, Viktor Yushchenko, as well as Mr Yanukovych. Ties have been strained since the pro-Western Viktor Yushchenko defeated the Kremlin-favoured candidate for the the presidency two years ago.
The visit comes as Mr Yushchenko is being increasingly marginalised by the prime minister. A pro-Russian Prime Minister, Viktor Yanukovych, has now been elected and is increasingly edging out Mr Yushchenko.
Energy will be high on the agenda after Moscow cut off gas supplies to Ukraine in January in a dispute over prices. Energy security was high on the agenda at the talks with Mr Putin.
His visit comes nearly a year after Moscow cut gas supplies to Ukraine in January in a dispute over prices.
Speaking after his meeting with Mr Yushchenko, Mr Putin said that only co-operation between the two countries could guarantee energy security in Europe.
He said it was important that energy co-operation was firmly based on market principles.
Last month, Moscow announced that Ukraine - which remains heavily dependent on Russian gas - would have a smaller increase in the price of gas imports than its neighbours.
Strong positionStrong position
This will be a difficult day for Ukraine's pro-western president. The two leaders also discussed Russia's Black Sea fleet, which is currently based in Ukraine.
The last time he held talks with President Putin in Kiev was almost two years ago and things were very different. The lease for the naval base is due to run out in 10 years' time, and Moscow is keen to extend this.
Back then Mr Yushchenko had just been elected as a result of the mass protests of the Orange Revolution. Mr Putin said the Black Sea fleet was an important factor in regional security and stability, but said that the interests of both countries should be taken into account.
He defeated Viktor Yanukovych, who had been publicly backed by the Kremlin. Since his election, Mr Yanukovych has made it a key part of his policy to improve ties with Moscow, damaged after the 2004 Orange Revolution.
Now Mr Yanukovych is the prime minister and Russia's president is in a much stronger position.
The visit comes as there is an escalating power struggle between Ukraine's president and prime minister.The visit comes as there is an escalating power struggle between Ukraine's president and prime minister.
Ukraine's parliament recently voted to sack Foreign Minister Borys Tarasyuk - a close ally of the president. Mr Yushchenko has said that this was unlawful.Ukraine's parliament recently voted to sack Foreign Minister Borys Tarasyuk - a close ally of the president. Mr Yushchenko has said that this was unlawful.
In what is likely to be seen by some as a provocative move, the foreign minister is expected to be present during the talks with Mr Putin.