The latest assessments from U.S. and Ukrainian analysts say more than 100,000 Russian troops are deployed on the Ukrainian border.

Yaroslav Azhnyuk is one of the most prominent Ukrainian entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley. He is the founder of Petcube, a unique startup that addresses an important aspect of people’s lives.

But Putin also said he hoped diplomatic initiatives would proceed. The comments were his first public pronouncements since the New Year.

Stable gas supplies remain at the top of the agenda – gas prices have soared past $1,000-$1,300 per thousand cubic metres and oil futures now top $93 a barrel.