US President Barack Obama has announced new sanctions in a bid to stop President Vladimir Putin from fomenting the rebellion in eastern Ukraine.
Pro-Russian separatists are ready to exchange captured monitors for fellow rebels now in the custody of the Ukrainian authorities.
A day after an international deal in Geneva to defuse the East-West crisis in Ukraine, pro-Russian separatists vowed not to end their occupation.
Separatists are holding public buildings in Ukraine, saying they need more assurances about security before complying with an international deal.
Ukraine’s president has threatened military action after pro-Russian separatists occupying government buildings ignored an ultimatum to leave.
Ukrainian forces have launched an "anti-terrorist" operation to end the grip of separatists on the eastern town of Slaviansk.
The Russian president says he has not ruled out the option of strikes on Syria if clear evidence of chemical weapons attacks can be provided.
In his first public comments since Edward Snowden flew into Russia, Vladimir Putin has appeared to make light of the uproar over the fugitive.
Russia’s police have detained more than 20 gay rights activists involved in a "kissing protest" outside parliament.
A journalist infiltrated and followed a group of what he called "carousel" voters, people who are allegedly paid to vote for a specific candidate.