Putin Calls Off Troops, Backs Ukraine Peace Process

Russia's parliament has cancelled a resolution allowing the use of troops in Ukraine.

President Vladimir Putin asked lawmakers to cancel his earlier request for troops, saying he wants to support the peace process in Ukraine.
    
Russia hopes to avoid further Western sanctions ahead of Friday's European Union summit.

The EU has warned it could sanction entire sectors of the Russian economy if Moscow fails to help de-escalate the crisis in Ukraine.
    
A week-long cease-fire has been repeatedly broken by sporadic clashes between Pro-Russian separatists and Kiev forces, including one Tuesday that left nine Ukrainian troops dead.