Ukraine, US work to reduce tensions with Russia

GENEVA (AP) - Ukraine is hoping to placate Russia and calm hostilities with its neighbor even as the U.S. prepares a new round of sanctions to punish Moscow for what it regards as fomenting unrest. The carrot-stick strategy emerged as diplomats from Ukraine, the U.S., the European Union and Russia met today for the first time over the burgeoning crisis that threatens to roil the new government in Kiev.