Fistfights broke out between pro- and anti-Russian demonstrators in Ukraine’s strategic Crimea region on Wednesday as Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly ordered tests of the combat readiness of troops just across the border.

The European Union has re-affirmed commitment to restoration of stability to Ukraine and renewed obligation to continue support for the crisis-stricken nation. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and security policy, Catherine Ashton, late on Wednesday, called a high level meeting to mobilise European Union support for Ukraine.

The US revealed that the Bashar Al-Assad regime in Syria has arrested relatives of opposition members and taken other punitive measures, following the failure of the Geneva II meetings earlier this month.