IMF said it would continue to work hand in hand with the World Bank Group and other partners to coordinate our support and ensure the maximum benefit for Ukraine.

Russia’s financial markets were gripped by turmoil, with the rouble plunging nearly 30 percent against the dollar – after the European Union announced tough new punitive measures against Moscow,

Putin has played a major role in facilitating a peace accord between Azerbaijan and Armenia, hosting a meeting last November between Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

In Ukraine’s second city, Kharkiv, authorities reported Russian military vehicles were on the move. Street clashes erupted in various districts. Pictures on social media showed two Russian vehicles on fire.