Russia has sought to defend its seven-month old war at the United Nations, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov saying that regions of Ukraine where widely-derided referendums are being held would be under Russia's "full protection" if annexed by Moscow.
- MarketsAnalysis: After feverish week, global investors lick wounds and brace for more chaos
Global investors are preparing for more market mayhem after a monumental week that whipsawed asset prices around the world, as central banks and governments ramped up their fight against inflation.
- WorldItaly polls open, right-wing alliance expected to win, article with gallery
Voters could bring in the most right-wing government since World War Two and their first woman prime minister.
- WorldIran will act decisively after biggest protests in years, president says
The protests come after the death of a woman detained by Iran's morality police enforcing hijab rules.