Ukraine Crisis: US-Russia Talks to Take Place in London Between Foreign Ministers Kerry and Lavrov

UK Foreign Secretary William Hague has revealed that talks between Russia and the US over the Ukraine crisis are to be held in London, ahead of a referendum on the annexation of Crimea.
Hague tweeted the following message:
US-Russia #Ukraine talks will take place in London tomorrow with UK support
— William Hague (@WilliamJHague) March 13, 2014
The message was sent after a call between Hague and German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in which the latter warned Russia that there would be a tough European Union response should the proposed referendum take place.
Strong agreement in call with German FM Steinmeier on need for firm EU response on Monday if Crimea referendum goes ahead #Ukraine
— William Hague (@WilliamJHague) March 13, 2014
The British foreign secretary also spoke with his US counterpart, saying that ministers in Washington and London are collaborating on the Ukraine crisis.
Useful call with Secretary @JohnKerry ahead of talks in London tomorrow. US-UK working closely together #Ukraine
— William Hague (@WilliamJHague) March 13, 2014
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has warned Russia that it will face "massive damage" if it continues on its course over Ukraine.
"If Russia continues on its course of the past weeks, it will not only be a catastrophe for Ukraine. We would not only see it, also as neighbours of Russia, as a threat. And it would not only change the European Union's relationship with Russia.
"No, this would also cause massive damage to Russia, economically and politically," she said.
The Crimean parliament has voted to join Russia and will put the case to voters in a referendum on 16 March. Crimeans will be asked to vote on whether the republic should join Russia or remain part of Ukraine.
In reaction, Nato has dispatched Awacs [Airborne Warning and Control System] reconnaissance aircrafts to Poland and Romania in order to monitor the Ukraine border after authorisation was granted by alliance ambassadors.
Despite the crisis, Russian President Vladimir Putin's approval ratings have reached a three-year high following the occupation of Crimea and the Sochi Winter Olympics, according to a Russian poll.
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