Western Democracy

After Kiev's major step towards NATO, Ukraine, Russia set to begin peace talks

The talks to be held in Minsk are expected to bring together envoys from Ukraine, Russia, pro-Moscow separatists and the OSCE.

Ukraine takes a landmark step towards NATO much to Russia's dismay

Kiev first announced its intention of seeking the protection of NATO membership in August following what it deemed the open participation of Russia's military in a separatist war in Ukraine's eastern provinces.

Russia's approach is a strategic problem for the EU: Donald Tusk

"In fact Russia is today our strategic problem, not Ukraine," the former Polish prime minister told a news conference after chairing a summit at which EU leaders discussed Russia and its involvement in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Russian tanks, artillery, combat troops entering east Ukraine: NATO

The Ukraine crisis has sent relations between Russia and the West plummeting to their lowest point since the Cold War.

EU lambasts Russia for recognising elections held by Ukrainian separatists

Russia justified that dramatic seizure of its neighbour's territory by saying it needed to protect ethnic Russians from a surge of Ukrainian nationalism.

Russia's parliament seeks normal ties with Ukraine counterpart

Russia and Ukraine blame each other for the conflict in eastern Ukraine, in which more than 3,700 people have been killed since mid-April.

President Putin says meeting with Ukrainian counterpart was 'positive'

Despite Putin's upbeat comment, there was no sign of a decisive breakthrough in solving the crisis in Ukraine.

Ukraine crisis: Shaky truce challenged as 12 killed in fresh violence

Three civilians were killed in the main rebel stronghold of Donetsk, according to city hall.

Japan sanctions Russia further after island visit by Putin's aide

The new measures include banning certain Russian banks from issuing securities in Japan and stepping up inspections to prevent arms being shipped to Russia.

Ukraine crisis: Ceasefire in rebel-held east, violated

The West and Ukraine have accused Moscow of propping up the rebels with arms and volunteers from the onset of the conflict.