UKRAINE-RUSSIA-CRISIS-POLITICS

A Ukrainian soldier gestures as he talks with children on August 18, 2014 in the small easter city of Popasna, Lugansk region, recently freed by Ukrainian forces from pro-Russia militants. Kiev accused pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine of killing “many” civilians trying to leave a conflict-torn area by shelling them with equipment provided by Moscow. “Militants shot at a convoy of civilians trying to flee the conflict area not far from Lugansk… using Grad rocket launchers and mortar guns given by Russia,” said security spokesman Andriy Lysenko. “Many people died, including women and children.” AFP PHOTO/ ANATOLII STEPANOV