Reports emerge of Russian forces taking control of Mariupol's city hall after a month of intensive battles as fighting with Ukrainian forces continues there.
European leaders object to Moscow's demand to pay for their energy supplies in Russian currency.
That's as the ruble begins to claw back some value lost amid the Ukrainian crisis.
China lashes out at America's "methods" in the conflict, claiming that it was Washington who instigated and inflamed the situation.
It comes as Bejing is set to hold trade talks with Russia, despite daily pressure put on Asian countries by the West.
We asked some guests for their thoughts.
