UKRAINE CRISIS

Russia's foreign minister denies Russia has plans to invade southeastern Ukraine in runup to Crimea referendum

Russian defence minister and deputy PM among those earmarked for EU-US visa bans.

Ahead of referendum, Crimean authorities said would nationalise Chornomornaftogaz then eye privatisation.

Ukraine Crisis: Russia's Micex plunged 5% two days before Crimea holds a referendum

Nuclear powers are unlikely to give up their weapons after seeing what has happened to Ukraine.

Goldman research note says capital flight as result of Putin's Crimea reaction will hit Russian growth.

Traditional safe-havens such as Swiss franc and Japanese yen also gain.

EU and US poised to impose sanctions against Russia if it continues course over Ukraine.

Vladimir Konstantinov says Crimeans protecting Ukraine region's oil and gas fields.

Looming threat of EU and US trade sanctions sparks concern over fragile Russian economy.

Crude dropped on 10 March amid fears of an economic slowdown in China.

Semi-autonomous region to become independent state if residents vote in favour on 16 March poll

Many people have gone back to thinking of gold as store of value says Coutts' Gary Dugan.

US-EU relationship tetchy over reaction to Ukraine crisis and NSA snooping scandal.

Bullion has gained some 11% this year thanks to 'perfect storm' of geopolitical uncertainty and US growth scares.

As demonstrators take to streets, Russia tightens grip on Crimea.

Cossacks reported to have attacked pro-Ukraine demonstrators in Sevastopol.

Traders concerned Ukraine standoff could impact Russian natural-gas deliveries to Europe.

Ukraine deadlock continues, following high level talks, while Gazprom hints at switching off gas to Ukraine.

Chinese foreign ministry against use of sanctions "as a threat"

Pravy Sektor paramilitary leader to take part in May presidential vote.