Putin offers Ukraine bailout boost

Russian President Vladimir Putin has opened his wallet in the battle with the European Union over Ukraine’s future, saying Moscow will buy $15bn dollars (€10.9bn) worth of Ukrainian government bonds and sharply cut the price of natural gas for its economically struggling neighbour.

The announcements came after Mr Putin held talks in Moscow with Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, who is facing massive protests at home for his decision to shelve a pact with the EU in favour of closer ties with Moscow.