KIEV, March 13 - Fewer differences may divide Ukrainians in the Russian-speaking east from compatriots in the west than generally thought, according to an opinion poll issued on Friday showing both regions backing negotiations to resolve differences over Crimea, Reuters reported.

The survey, conducted by the GfK market research company for the Avaaz international civic network after Russian forces took control of Crimea, also showed a majority in the two areas favoring closer ties with both Russia and the European Union.

SIMFEROPOL, March 13 - The leader of pro-Moscow separatist politicians in Crimea, who took power there after armed men seized the regional parliament on Feb. 27, predicted a strong vote in favor of union with Russia in Sunday's referendum.

WASHINGTON, March 13 - The United States is weighing requests for military assistance from Ukraine, including both lethal and non-lethal support, two U.S. officials said on Thursday, as a prominent U.S. senator urged approval of any arms sought by Kiev, Reuters reported.

KIEV, March 13 - Russia launched new military exercises near its border with Ukraine on Thursday, showing no sign of backing down on plans to annex its neighbor’s Crimea region despite a stronger than expected drive for sanctions from the EU and United States, Reuters reported.

KIEV, March 13 – President Viktor Yanukovych on Wednesday signed a decree that urges the government to implement measures that ensure signing of a key political association and free-trade agreement with the European Union.

KIEV, March 13 – President Viktor Yanukovych has said that the visit of his Turkmen counterpart Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow to Ukraine is a great honor for him.

KIEV, March 12 – European politicians have written an open letter to UEFA President Michel Platini, in which they called on Platini not to allow the Ukrainian government to use the Euro 2012 European Football Championship as a huge PR campaign for its own purposes.

KIEV, March 13 – Finance Minister Yuriy Kolobov will travel to Washington later this month to try to get the International Monetary Fund to unfreeze its $15.5 billion standby loan program for Ukraine, Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said Tuesday.

KIEV, March 12 – Ukraine's state budget has the necessary funds to implement new social initiatives proposed by President Viktor Yanukovych, his administration has reported.

KIEV, March 12 - Ukraine on Saturday offered to send search and rescue teams to Japan, which has suffered from its worst earthquake ever recorded, and a tsunami that wiped out small towns.