Fighting broke out between pro and anti-Russian demonstrators in Ukraine’s Crimea region as Russian president Vladimir Putin ordered military exercises just across the border.

The Boston Marathon bombings could have been prevented if US officials had followed through on Russian intelligence, a senior Moscow official has said.

President Mary McAleese today begins a four-day official visit to Russia to build business links with the country.

PRESIDENT Mary McAleese will make a four- day visit to Russia next week in a bid to build business links between the countries, it was disclosed yesterday.

President Mary McAleese will make a four-day visit to Russia next week in a bid to build business links between the countries, it was disclosed today.