KIEV, Jan 29 - An International Monetary Fund team is extending its mission in Kiev beyond a planned departure date of Jan. 29, a representative of the press service of Ukraine's central bank said on Thursday, Reuters reported.

BRUSSELS/KIEV, Jan 29 - European Union foreign ministers extended existing sanctions against Russia on Thursday, holding off on tighter economic measures for now but winning the support of the new left-leaning government of Greece, whose position had been in doubt, Reuters reported.

KIEV, Jan. 29 - Five Ukrainian soldiers and three civilians have been killed as a result of fighting in Ukraine's separatist eastern regions in the past 24 hours, Kiev authorities said on Thursday, reporting no let-up in violent clashes with pro-Russian rebels, Reuters reported.

KIEV, Jan. 29 – The Canadian government has announced it is barring senior Ukrainian officials from entering the country, in response to violent clashes between protesters and police in Kiev, Canadian portal CBC News reported on Tuesday.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 - U.S. Vice President Joe Biden has urged Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych to continue the search for compromises with the opposition and immediately sign the laws adopted by Parliament, reads a statement posted on the White House's Web site.

KIEV, Jan. 29 - Lawmakers loyal to President Viktor Yanukovych on Wednesday offered an amnesty to people detained in the wave of anti-government protests - but only on condition that activists vacate occupied buildings in Kiev and other parts of Ukraine, Reuters reported.

KIEV, Jan. 29 - President Vladimir Putin raised the pressure on Ukraine on Wednesday, saying Russia would wait until it forms a new government before fully implementing a $15 billion bailout deal that Kiev urgently needs.

KIEV, Jan. 28 – Fitch Ratings says OAO Gazprom's ('BBB'/Stable) intention to impose a $7 billion fine on NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine (Naftogaz, 'CCC') for failing to purchase minimal contractual gas volumes in 2012 may either result in Ukraine ('B'/Stable) scrambling to find additional funds to support Naftogaz, or prolonged litigation.

BRUSSELS, Jan. 28 – The European Commission is not commenting on the new gas supply dispute between Kiev and Moscow, but hopes that it will not lead to the disruption of gas supplies to the EU states.

KIEV, Jan. 29 – President Viktor Yanukovych will make a state visit to China this year, Foreign Minister Leonid Kozhara said at the European Business Association in Kiev on Tuesday.

Kozhara expressed the hope that after China forms its new government, the second meeting of the intergovernmental committee of Ukraine and China will take place.