Russian President Vladimir Putin has defended the Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, calling for direct talks between them and the Kyiv government to help restore peace.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
BBC: Putin defends Russia-backed separtists in eastern Ukraine
In this file photo taken on Nov. 11, 2014 Russian-backed separatists stand guard as Dutch investigators (unseen) arrive near parts of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 at the crash site near the Hrabove village in eastern Ukraine on Nov. 11, 2014.
