Kiev

The Russian army has started military drills in response to the situation in the southeast of Ukraine, its Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Thursday.

The exercises are to be carried out at the country's border with Ukraine, where "balance of forces is uneven", as Shoigu was quoted by Interfax news agency as saying.

Russia launches military drills on border with Ukraine

BELGRADE -- Russia has decided to launch a military exercise on the border with Ukraine, in order to "deter Kiev from using violence against its own citizens."

Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation Sergei Shoigu said on Thursday that Moscow was "forced to respond," RT reported.

At least two men were reportedly killed after Ukrainian commandos stormed the eastern town of Slaviansk, which has been controlled by pro-Russian rebels for weeks.

The city's website, as quoted by RIA Novosti, also says an "unspecified number" of people have been injured.

International Monetary Funds officials have recommended that Ukraine be granted a loan worth USD 17 B aimed at helping Kiev to reduce pressure on the economy.

Vitali Klitschko, former boxing champion and current leader of the Ukrainian party UDAR, was nominated by the city organization of the party for a candidate for mayor of Kiev.

According to The Voice of Russia, Klitschko said on Wednesday his main goal was to eliminate corruption and to the destroy the barriers that keep Kiev from developing freely and successfully. 

Obama says Russia "not abiding by deal"

TOKYO -- U.S. President Barack Obama has accused Russia of not abiding by the agreement reached in Geneva on April 17 regarding a de-escalation in Ukraine.

This was his first comment on the subject since the meeting took place last week.

Russia will respond if its interests in Ukraine are attacked, the country's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday.

"Russia will respond if Russian interests are attacked"

MOSCOW -- Russia will retaliate if the unterests of its citizens or the citizens themselves are threatened, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Mustafa Dzhemilev, the leader of Crimean Tatars, has been refused entry into Russia, Crimea included.

Russian authorities have imposed a ban on Dzhemilev, who is an MP from Prime Minister Yatsenyuk and presidential candidate Tymoshenko's Batkivshchina, until 2019, RBC Daily has reported, citing the Mejlis (the Tatar assembly).

The importance European Parliament's resolution demanding that the South Steam project be stopped "should not be exaggerated" Bulgaria's Foreign Minister said on Tuesday.