Nato military alliance agrees on “spearhead” force at meeting in Wales

The Nato military alliance has agreed on a new “spearhead” force amid growing concern at the Ukraine crisis and the rise of Islamic State militants.

The move was announced at a meeting of Nato leaders in Wales.

Talks on a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine have begun, but more clashes were reported close to the city of Mariupol. Ukraine, Russia and pro-Russia rebels are attending the talks in Belarus, while Western countries ponder further sanctions on Russia. The West accuses Russia of sending arms and troops to back the rebels in eastern Ukraine. Moscow denies this. More than 2,600 people have died during the five-month conflict.

The enhanced sanctions are expected to target Russian banking, energy and defence, as well as what British sources call “Putin cronies”. But the UK says the sanctions will probably go ahead whether or not a ceasefire is agreed at the talks in the Belarus capital, Minsk.

SOURCE: MEDIA