Moscow hopes West sanctions to end

Fighting rages in run-up to cease-fire; at least 18 die in clashes

Russian Economy Minister Alexei Ulyukayev said on Friday he hoped Western sanctions on Moscow could soon be lifted following a cease-fire agreement reached in the Belarusian capital Minsk.

"I am deeply convinced that there are opportunities to remove these problems. I think all sides, especially businesses, are tired of this (sanctions) regime," Ulyukayev was quoted as telling reporters.