US hits Russia's largest bank, energy sector with sanctions

Washington (AFP) - The United States hit Russia's top bank and leading energy and technology companies with sanctions Friday, restricting access to finance and technology to punish Moscow's support for Ukraine's separatist rebels.

China, Russia on verge of gas deal

BEIJING — China plans to sign a multibillion-dollar deal to buy Russian gas during a visit by President Vladimir Putin next week despite U.S. pressure to avoid undermining sanctions on Moscow over the Ukraine crisis.