A summit between leaders of Russia and the European Union is being cut short.
The summit, later this month in Brussels, was due to be a two-day event, including a joint dinner including Russian President Vladimir Putin and the EU's Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.
But now the summit is set to last only a few hours on January 28.
Commission spokesman Maja Kocijanic said the format had been changed "in light of the recent developments" and participants will have an "in-depth reflection" about the EU-Russia relationship rather than a discussion about specific issues.
She did not elaborate.
Relations between Brussels and Moscow have soured over Ukraine, among other issues.
Kyiv was due to sign an agreement on closer ties with the EU in November, but Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych abruptly shelved those plans, reportedly under pressure from the Kremlin.
Russia has since pledged billions of dollars' worth of aid and concessions to Kyiv.
The summit, later this month in Brussels, was due to be a two-day event, including a joint dinner including Russian President Vladimir Putin and the EU's Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.
But now the summit is set to last only a few hours on January 28.
Commission spokesman Maja Kocijanic said the format had been changed "in light of the recent developments" and participants will have an "in-depth reflection" about the EU-Russia relationship rather than a discussion about specific issues.
She did not elaborate.
Relations between Brussels and Moscow have soured over Ukraine, among other issues.
Kyiv was due to sign an agreement on closer ties with the EU in November, but Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych abruptly shelved those plans, reportedly under pressure from the Kremlin.
Russia has since pledged billions of dollars' worth of aid and concessions to Kyiv.
