Nato to step up pressure against Russia

Nato foreign ministers are due to discuss ways to help Ukraine and reassure allies in Eastern Europe.

It is the first time ministers from the 28 member states have convened since Russia's takeover of Crimea caused a diplomatic crisis.

Nato foreign ministers are expected to discuss the formal suspension of co-operation with Moscow at the Brussels meeting.

The alliance said ministers would speak to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Deshchytsia about ways to support Ukraine with its defence reforms.

They are also expected to look at options including situating permanent military bases in the Baltic states to reassure members in Eastern Europe.

Russia's actions in Ukraine have rattled nerves in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which were part of the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Nato jets will take part in air patrols in the region later in a routine exercise that analysts say has taken on added significance due to the crisis.

Several Nato countries, including the UK, US and France, have offered additional warplanes.