After months of violence, the fighting rages on in eastern Ukraine.br br Ukrainian forces are taking cover in a school... shielding themselves from incoming fire and sending bullets toward pro-Russian separatists.br br As shots ring out east of Donetsk, the leaders of Russia and Ukraine met for talks in Minsk... agreeing on the need to "de-escalate" and free hostages.br br But the Belarussian president, who hosted the talks, says fundamental differences remain.br br Starting with a handshake, the talks were aimed at defusing a separatist war that has heightened tensions between Russia and NATO and has prompted the U.S. and the EU to slap sanctions on Russia.br br President Vladimir Putin says Russia will respect a country's sovereignty, but not at their own expense.