Latest from the news desk:
U.S. President Barack Obama has called on NATO to help strengthen Ukraine's military and said the alliance must leave the door open to new members to counter what he called Russian aggression.
Obama was speaking in the Estonian capital, Tallinn, before heading later on September 3 to a NATO summit in Wales.
Accusing Russia of a “brazen assault” on Ukraine, which is battling pro-Russian separatists, Obama said NATO must send an "unmistakable message of support" to Kyiv.
He added that the United States will continue to offer training and assistance to help Ukraine’s military.
Obama also said the alliance must help strengthen the defenses of Moldova and Georgia. (Reuters and AP)
This just in from our news desk:
Russian President Vladimir Putin says Ukraine and separatists could reach cease-fire agreement during talks on September 5.
Putin says separatist fighters in Ukraine should stop "active offensive operations" as part of cease-fire agreement.
He says cease-fire steps should include halt to "use of military aviation against peaceful civilians," prison exchanges and international monitoring of the truce.