Soldiers of special battalion "Azov"; talk at a checkpoint in the port city of Mariupol, southeastern Ukraine, Friday, Sept. 5, 2014. Shelling resounded on the outskirts of the city Friday as Russian-backed rebels pressed their offensive in the strategically key southeast just hours ahead of talks that are widely hoped to bring a cease-fire. Associated Press reporters heard heavy shelling on Friday morning north and east of Mariupol. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)