Summit tackles Black Sea dispute

By Helen Fawkes BBC correspondent in Kiev

Ukraine has been marking its borders

The presidents of Russia and Ukraine are due to meet on Wednesday in Ukraine to discuss a border dispute which has led to a major diplomatic row.

Ukrainian troops have been stationed on Tuzla island following Russia's decision to construct a sea dyke to the Ukrainian island.

The dispute raised fears of an armed confrontation between Ukraine and Russia earlier this year.

This is the first time the presidents have met to discuss the problem.

'Erosion concern'

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Leonid Kuchma are meeting in Crimea, near the island.

It was in September that the stand-off started, when building work began on a causeway to link southern Russia to Tuzla in the Kerch Strait.

Moscow said the project was designed to prevent coastal erosion - but Ukraine feared the Kremlin was trying to increase its territory.

The Ukrainian parliament passed a resolution describing Russia's actions as an unfriendly act.

The situation escalated when Ukraine laid tank traps on the island and held air and sea exercises nearby.

Border guards are now stationed on the isle.

Since then, politicians from Ukraine and Russia have held a number of discussions to try to come up with a solution.

According to Mr Putin's press service, his talks with Mr Kuchma will focus on a number of topical issues concerning bilateral co-operation.