Ukraine, Russia and the Kremlin-backed separatists signed a ceasefire deal after five months of bloodshed, and Europe prepared additional sanctions on Moscow.

Russian president Vladimir Putin named a new economics and health minister and retained the current foreign and defence ministers today, ahead of crucial parliamentary and presidential elections.

The Russian government has approved an increase in pensions, carrying out an order issued by President Vladimir Putin amid widespread protests over a new law replacing benefits with cash payments.