TODAY: Ukraine turns its back on Europe and resumes dialog with Russia; Moldova to follow? Sechin is Russia’s highest-paid executive; further financial organisations may lose licenses; Ikea under fire over ‘homosexual propaganda’ issue; A Just Russia deputy attacked.

In ‘a major victory for Russia’, Ukraine has abandoned its plans to forge closer ties with the European Union, with cabinet officials urging ministries to resume active dialog with the Russian government.  A spokesman for President Vladimir Putin said that Russia welcomed the news; the leader of Ukraine’s opposition said that failure to sign the planned deal with Europe would be ‘state treason and grounds for impeachment’ of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich.  The Swedish Foreign Minister blamed Russia’s tactics: ‘Ukraine government suddenly bows deeply to the Kremlin.  Politics of brutal pressure evidently works’; and the U.S. State Department says it is ‘disappointed’ with the news.  But the Deputy Prime Minister says good relations with Russia are crucial for production.  Will Ukraine’s retreat from the E.U. make it harder for Moldova to resist the same pressure?  The country, says the BBC, is ‘reeling’ from Russia’s wine import ban.