Ukraine crisis: UN calls for 'de-escalation of tensions'

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has called for an 'immediate de-escalation of tensions' in Ukraine, after Russia vowed to keep its troops there to protect its interests.

Russia is now in de facto military control of the Crimea region, despite Western condemnation of a "violation of Ukraine's sovereignty".

Mr Ban said he would urge Russia to "refrain from any acts and rhetoric that could further escalate the situation" when he meets the Russian foreign minister on Monday.