Not really related to the crisis, but bound to be of interest to Ukraine-watchers:
And here's another item that's only peripherally related to the crisis, but well worth watching if you're in any way interested in Ukrainian culture:
American Seduced By Magic Of Kobza
Description: Meet the American who hand crafts traditional Ukrainian musical instruments and teaches the locals how to play. (RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service)
We are now closing the live blog for today, but we'll be back again tomorrow morning to follow all the latest developments. Until then, you can catch up with all our other Ukraine coverage here.
Good morning. We'll start our live blog this morning with this item that came in overnight:
Ukraine Says It's Ready To Join EU Negotiations With Russia Over Gas
Ukraine is ready to join European Union talks on gas issues with Russia on December 9, Ukrainian state energy company Naftogaz said on its Twitter account on December 5.
"The talks will focus on the 'winter package' for the next winter," said Naftogaz chief Andriy Kobolev, adding that Ukraine may resume direct purchases of Russian gas if Moscow agrees on a number of Kyiv's proposals, including matters such as "price, terms of delivery, and, most importantly, on signing an additional agreement."
Kyiv has not bought gas directly from Russia for more than a year as a result of a breakdown in relations caused by Russia's forcible annexation of Crimea and backing of pro-Russia separatists in the east.
Naftogaz did not say which Ukrainian officials will take part in talks in Brussels.
The EU relies on Russia for about a third of its gas, with more than half of that transiting through Ukraine. The deterioration of ties between Moscow and Kyiv has increased the potential for disputes.
European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic has been acting as an intermediary between Russia and Ukraine in the gas negotiations, trying to minimize the risk of gas supply interruptions to Europe, especially in winter.