BBC: .........Russia's Vladimir Putin has telephoned President Barack Obama to discuss the US proposal for a diplomatic solution to the crisis in Ukraine........
The Kremlin said in a statement that the Russian president drew Mr Obama's attention to "the continued rampage of extremists" in Kiev and various regions of Ukraine. It said these individuals were "committing acts of intimidation towards peaceful residents, government authorities and law enforcement agencies... with impunity"........
He also expressed concern at an "effective blockade" of Moldova's separatist region of Trans-Dniester, where Russia has troops.
Pro-Russian politicians there have sent a request asking to join the Russian Federation........