EU reaches preliminary deal on Russia economic sanctions
European Union ambassadors reached a preliminary agreement on Friday to push ahead with hard-hitting economic sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine crisis but details remained to be worked out, diplomats said.
Russia says U.S. sanctions break WTO rules, could cause trade dispute
The latest U.S. sanctions against Russia violate World Trade Organization rules and may force Moscow into a destabilizing trade dispute, Russia's ambassador told the Geneva-based trade body on Thursday.
EU targets state-owned Russia banks in sanctions plan
The European Union would target state-owned Russian banks vital to financing Moscow's faltering economy in the most serious sanctions so far over the Ukraine crisis under proposals considered by EU governments on Thursday.
Italy backs more Russia sanctions, says foreign minister
Italian Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini, a candidate to become the European Union's next foreign policy chief, reiterated on Thursday that she supports additional sanctions against Russia over the crisis in Ukraine.
Israel pummels Gaza; Kerry steps up diplomatic push
Israeli forces pounded Gaza on Wednesday, meeting stiff resistance from Hamas Islamists and sending thousands of residents fleeing, as U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on a visit to Israel ceasefire talks had made some progress.
Ukraine says EU reverse gas flows lower on Gazprom opposition
Ukrainian Energy Minister Yuri Prodan said on Wednesday reverse gas flows from the European Union to Ukraine had fallen because of opposition from Russian gas producer Gazprom.
EU threatens Russia with more sanctions, but words ring hollow
European Union foreign ministers threatened Russia on Tuesday with harsher sanctions over Ukraine, but tougher talk may not be matched by much action after France's president signaled the disputed delivery of a warship to Moscow would go ahead.
Israel pounds Gaza despite international peace efforts
Israel pounded targets across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, saying no ceasefire was near as top U.S. and U.N. diplomats pursued talks on halting fighting that has claimed more than 600 lives.
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