US President said he was not about to impose new sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine crisis, but nevertheless signed a law giving him the authority to do so.
Ukraine's president openly challenged the Kremlin by submitting a bill allowing the former Soviet republic to join NATO and make the Western alliance its defender.
The statement was made in the annual press conference broadcasted on Russia 24 TV Channel December 18. President Putin emphasized that the crisis had been triggered by external factors.
Recent close shaves between Russian fighters and civilian aircraft highlight the dangers of the cat-and-mouse game being played out between Moscow and the West.
Apple said it had halted online sales of iPhones, iPads and computers in Russia as the ruble's plunge made it difficult for sellers of imported goods to fix local prices.
The European Union's foreign policy chief said the 28-nation bloc would stay united on Ukraine despite pressure from some members to drop or ease its sanctions on Russia.
The leaders of France and Germany discussed a shaky ceasefire deal and economic reforms for Ukraine in a telephone call with President Petro Poroshenko.
With Belarus restoring customs posts weeks before the Eurasian Economic Union comes into force, what are the parties' roles in the new integration project?
Shared customs borders, freedom of movement of people and cargoes [within the Eurasian Economic Union to be launched January 1] are a great benefit for people of the two nations: President Nazarbayev.
Putin upended the global rules with considerable chutzpah, sowing just enough uncertainty to keep the world unsure of his intentions or his next move .