There is a potential breakthrough in the Ukraine crisis. After marathon talks in Geneva, the U.S., Ukraine, Russia and the European Union have reached an agreement to ease tensions in Ukraine. The tentative deal calls for both Russia and Ukraine to end the violence and provocative actions along their shared border. 

It also called for illegal armed groups to lay down their weapons and vacate occupied buildings. The deal means that further sanctions against Moscow will be put on hold for now. Ensuring the deal is adhered to remains the biggest hurdle. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe will take a lead role in overseeing the process. It is a  broad agreement that that holds out substantial hope for a crisis that appeared on the verge of spinning out of control. In what U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry described, with seeming understatement, as “a good day’s work,” Ukraine, Russia, the U.S. and the European Union each achieved initial satisfaction on some issues and weren’t hit by overt defeat on any. CCTV’s Jack Barton reports.

Deal Reached on Calming Ukraine Tensions

There is a potential breakthrough in the Ukraine crisis. After marathon talks in Geneva, the U.S., Ukraine, Russia and European Union reached an agreement Thursday to ease tensions. The tentative deal calls for "all" sides to end the violence and provocative actions. CCTV's Jack Barton has more.

CCTV’s Anya Ardayeva reports from Moscow on Russia’s reaction on the initial agreement.

Russia Calls Agreement a "Diplomatic Victory"

After marathon talks in Geneva, the U.S., Ukraine, Russia and European Union reached an agreement Thursday to ease tensions. The tentative deal calls for "all" sides to end the violence and provocative actions. CCTV's Anya Ardayeva reports from Moscow on Russia's reaction on the initial agreement.

U.S. President Barack Obama also reacted publicly to the news out of Ukraine. He conveyed skepticism about Russian promises to de-escalate a volatile situation in Ukraine, and said the United States and its allies are ready to impose fresh sanctions if Moscow doesn’t make good on its commitments. CCTV’s White House Correspondent, Jessica Stone reports.

Obama Skeptical on Russia in Ukraine

U.S. President Barack Obama also reacted publicly to the news out of Ukraine. He conveyed skepticism about Russian promises to de-escalate a volatile situation in Ukraine, and said the United States and its allies are ready to impose fresh sanctions if Moscow doesn't make good on its commitments.CCTV's White House Correspondent, Jessica Stone reports.

Now that an agreement has been reached on immediate steps to deescalate the crisis in Ukraine, ensuring the deal is adhered to remains the biggest hurdle. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe will take a lead role in overseeing the process. CCTV’s Jack Barton reports from Geneva.

Will Tentative Ukraine Crisis Deal Stop Further Sanctions against Russia?

Top diplomats from the U.S., EU, Russia and Ukraine have reached an agreement on immediate steps to deescalate the crisis in Ukraine. However, ensuring the deal is adhered to remains the biggest hurdle. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe will take a lead role in overseeing the process. CCTV's Jack Barton reports from Geneva.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Barack Obama says he’s hopeful that Russia will make good on new promises to curb the violence in Ukraine. However, if that doesn’t happen, U.S. officials stand ready to impose even more sanctions. But the average Russian still seems to support a defiant Vladimir Putin. CCTV’s Bianca Davie reports.

Protest in Washington: Wealthy Russians Hit by Sanctions

U.S. President Barack Obama says he's hopeful that Russia will make good on new promises to curb the violence in Ukraine. However, if that doesn't happen, U.S. officials stand ready to impose even more sanctions. But the average Russian still seems to support a defiant Vladimir Putin. CCTV's Bianca Davie reports.

How has the Russian economy been impacted by sanctions during the ongoing crisis in Ukraine? To discuss the long-term economic consequences of the crisis, BizAsiaAmerica anchor Phillip Yin speaks to Charles Ortel, Managing Director at Newport Ventures.

Charles Ortel on Russian Economy

How has the Russian economy been impacted by sanctions during the ongoing crisis in Ukraine? To discuss the long-term economic consequences of the crisis, BizAsiaAmerica anchor Phillip Yin speaks to Charles Ortel, Managing Director at Newport Ventures.