West caused Ukraine crisis – Putin
Craig TaylorThe crisis in Ukraine was caused by the West, says Russian President Vladimir Putin, as he works on Franco-German proposals to end fighting. BBC News – Europe
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Ukraine president pleads for support
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko appeals to the West for further backing against pro-Russian rebels, including the supply of weapons. BBC News – Europe
EU leaders to press Putin on Ukraine
The French and German leaders are due to meet Russia’s President Putin to try to halt an escalating offensive by pro-Russian rebels in Ukraine. BBC News – Europe
Nato to boost Eastern Europe defence
Nato is due to reveal details of a plan to strengthen its military presence in Eastern Europe amid intensified fighting in Ukraine. BBC News – Europe
New Ukraine clashes ‘catastrophic’
Up to 16 civilians are killed in the space of 24 hours in eastern Ukraine, as the UN warns that the renewed fighting is “catastrophic” for civilians. BBC News – Europe
Ukraine rebels ‘to raise 100,000 men’
Pro-Russian separatist leader Alexander Zakharchenko announces plans to recruit 100,000 men, as fighting with Ukrainian forces intensifies. BBC News – Europe