In a bid to end the violence, the Russian Senate Wednesday revoked President Vladimir Putin's right to order a military intervention in Ukraine - a move Putin had requested.
The vote was overwhelmingly in favor of the move, and Russia's senate speaker says it signals the desire for peace.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIA'S FEDERATION COUNCIL SPEAKER VALENTINA MATVIYENKO, SAYING:
"It seems to me that this is yet another convincing confirmation of Russia's policy towards a peaceful resolution and a settlement in the southeast (Ukraine). That's why Federation Council members have supported this proposal and voted for it. By doing that, we by our deeds rather than by words. showed that Russia is ready to keep providing all necessary assistance to the peaceful negotiations process."
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin welcomes the vote.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) UKRAINE FOREIGN MINISTER PAVLO KLIMKIN SAYING:
"Now we have a positive step, but we need other po