Local authorities say shelling from Russian separatists may be responsible for blazes

White House approves provision of deadly ‘defensive’ weapons to Kiev

Separatists have opposed Ukraine’s suggestion to deploy UN forces in war zone

From vast queues to shellfire, travellers face grim ordeal when crossing the frontline

Claim and counter-claim over responsibility made by sides as estimates of casualties vary

Russia admits two captives were soldiers, but but says they had left military

Volunteers venture into rebel-held territory to bring remains of hundreds of servicemen home

Kiev says arrested suspects had been armed and instructed in Russia

Loss of Debaltzeve to rebels may breathe life into embattled ceasefire plan

Key sticking points include future status of separatist-held areas and size of proposed buffer zone

Officials say it is hard to imagine rebels returning to earlier positions after weeks of advance

Putin, Hollande and Merkel meet for five hours amid fierce fighting in eastern Ukraine

West and Moscow at odds over vote which pro-Russian separatists hope will consolidate power

Revolution, war and the tilt to the west have left Yanukovich’s former allies reeling

Rebels accuse Ukrainian forces of violating the truce repeatedly and suggests it can not hold much longer

Senior US official says no offer of lethal assistance was made to Ukraine

Death toll in Ukraine fighting hits 2,593- UN

Ukraine says four border guards were killed in Russian helicopter attack

Moscow dismisses as ‘fantasy’ claims that its armoured vehicles had entered Ukraine

Kiev again states convoy carrying 2,000 tonnes of aid cannot enter until cleared

Clashes between pro-Russian separatists and Kiev forces have made area inaccessible

Government idea of ‘Marshall Plan’ for economic recovery to be set out by autumn

Residents fearful government forces could soon attack to remove pro-Russian sepratists

President says re-taking of Slaviansk marks ‘turning point’ in fight against separatists

Merkel hints that new penalties could include restrictions on trade, finance, energy

Interim president claims independence for eastern regions would destroy country’s economy

Southern city had until now largely been free of separatist unrest gripping eastern areas

Minister announces maneouvres hours after Kiev troops kill pro-Russia insurgents

Putin says ‘there are no Russian agents in Ukraine’

US says action against pro-Russia malitia justified as Putin calls on UN to condemn use of force

EU is working on list of 120-130 Russians who could be subject to asset freezes and travel bans