TODAY: Russia and Europe trade blame over further deaths in Ukraine; Ekho Moskvy under threat; Pussy Riot protesters detained in Sochi; Razvozzhayev/Udaltsov trial begins; Navalny calls out Lebedev; Russia dominates Europe in energy.

The death count in Ukraine has reached eighteen after police opened fire on protesters yesterday; Russia blamed the heightened situation on ‘Western politicians and European structures’, for encouraging Ukrainian radicals.  This piece argues, however, that ‘Moscow is more active in the Ukraine than it has been for 20 years.’  Live footage of protesters gathered in Kiev is streaming here.  A Russian analyst commented that the poor performance of Ukraine’s bond’s yesterday, despite a fresh cash injection from Russia, shows that ‘money from Russia is not a solution’ with more unrest on the cards.  Central Bank bankers want bonuses to be tied to risks, and to amount to as much as 50% of annual pay.  Ekho Moskvy radio station, which frequently provides a platform to opponents of the government, says its editorial independence is under threat after what the editor called an ‘unfair’ move to replace the company’s chief executive.