Violence escalated in eastern Ukraine as Germany’s Chancellor Merkel held talks in Kiev on easing tensions with Russia. CCTV America’s Kate Parkinson reports from Donetsk.

Follow Kate Parkinson on Twitter @katecctvnews

A convoy of trucks has returned to Russia after they were in the Ukrainian city of Luhansk without the consent of the Ukrainian government. The Russian government claims the trucks were delivering humanitarian aid. CCTV America’s Daria Bonderchuk tells reports.

Anton Fedyashin joined CCTV America to talk more on the Ukraine Crisis. Fedyashin is a professor at American University focusing on Russian & European history.