TODAY: RT news outlet dropped by UK bank without explanation; Putin makes rare outburst against Western sanctions; Duma could legitimise mercenaries with short-term military contracts; Aleppo to receive eight-hour ceasefire; Rosneft given a month to buy out Bashneft’s minority shareholders; Exxon a victim of anti-Russia sanctions; son of Lukoil official avoids joyride jail; Politkovskaya killer pressured to name Putin rival in her murder case; Trump supporters largely see Russia as ally, poll finds.