UKRAINE

Russia has been aggressively working on strengthening its missile forces, spurred on by the U.S.'s growing military presence in Eastern Europe.

Pro-Russian separatists have been accused of shooting down the plane last July, but they have denied the allegations.

"Our suggestion is a different kind of suggestion," Russia ambassador Vitaly Churkin told reporters Monday.

A likeness of Obama was discovered hanging from a bridge Monday in the Ural Mountains region of Perm with its head covered by an executioner's hood.

Odessa Gov. Mikheil Saakashvili told the Independent that Putin will likely take on the Baltic states next.

China, Russia and 13 other nations will participate in the International Army Games in Russia next month.

Natalia Poklonskaya, the pro-separatist prosecutor general in Crimea, was designated an "action target" by the U.S. in December 2014 for "illegally seizing state power."

Moldovan and Ukrainian officials have expressed concern over Moldova's pro-Moscow breakaway Transnistria region, which lies on the border.

More than 6,500 people have been killed since the conflict broke out in eastern Ukraine in April last year.

Ukraine and pro-Russian rebels accused each other on Saturday of shelling residential areas despite a ceasefire, reporting four civilians and one soldier killed following a week of the deadliest fighting in over a month.

France is reportedly considering a deal to compensate Russia, after canceling the delivery of two helicopter carriers over the country's role in the Ukraine crisis.

“The security service will continue to identify foreigners who work against our government using their diplomatic service as cover."

Russia will introduce six long-range Tupolev Tu-22M3 bombers to its fleet before the end of this year.

The drill, in late August, will involve nearly 20 warships of various classes, as well as planes and helicopters.

Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 -- bound from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur -- was shot down over eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014. All 298 on board were killed.

The shipments were a continuation of Russian President Vladimir Putin's plan to overhaul the military by 2020.

The incident occurred over the Aegean sea and adds to a long list of military and diplomatic spats between the two rivals.

The lawsuit comes almost one year after the plane was shot down over rebel-held territory in eastern Ukraine.

The Ministry for Crimean Affairs reportedly will be replaced by a special commission.

Russia's military industry has demonstrated huge growth in recent years -- despite international sanctions, a hurting economy and a drop in oil prices.

More than 22 million people now reportedly live below the poverty line in Russia.