From our News Desk:
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev says Moscow will respond "asymmetrically" -- possibly targeting flights over Russia -- if the West imposes further sanctions against Russia over its actions in Ukraine.
In an interview with the Russian daily "Vedomosti" published on September 8, Medvedev said: "If there are sanctions related to the energy sector, or further restrictions on Russia's financial sector, we will have to respond asymmetrically."
The European Union has agreed on new economic sanctions on Russia that should come into force on September 8 but said they could be suspended to allow Moscow to show it was resolving the conflict.
Good morning. We are resuming our live blogging of the Ukraine crisis for Monday, September 8.
That concludes our live blogging for Sunday, September 7. Follow our continuing coverage via our homepage.
From RFE/RL Ukrainian Service correspondent Iryna Shtohrin and Claire Bigg in Prague:
As Renewed Fighting Grips Southeastern Ukraine, Neighboring Region Braces For Violence
Our latest newsroom wrap-up of the latest events:
Mariupol, Donetsk Shelling Threaten Ukraine Cease-Fire
Here's some of what RFE/RL Ukrainian Service correspondent Vitaliy Sizov told us by phone about the situation in Mariupol on Sunday:
"The situation in Mariupol is calm and stable despite yesterday's shelling at a [government] check point. People were out in the city freely, but there were less people than usual. All stores were open."
"There is enhanced police patrolling, there wasn't any yesterday. They control the city center. I also saw members of the National Guard."
"Toward evening, gunfire could briefly be heard in the city center as well as the sound of cars driving fast, as though someone was being chased."
Dutchman won't have any of the Russian president's "behavior and thinking," rejects Pushkin medal:
Dutch literary translator Hans Boland has refused to accept an award from the Russian authorities for his work, in protest at ‘president Putin’s behaviour and thinking’, the NRC reports.
Boland should have been awarded the Pushkin medal by Putin himself on November 4, the NRC said.
h/t: @EuromaidanPR