German stocks led European shares lower on Friday as new signs of violence in Ukraine hit sentiment, although equities remained underpinned by corporate takeover activity. Ukrainian forces killed up to five pro-Moscow rebels on April 24, prompting Russia to launch army drills near the border. In response, the United States said on April 25 it will press European allies to impose more sanctions if Russia steps up action in Ukraine.
Reuters: European shares slip as Ukraine crisis deepens
Ukrainian special forces keep watch from inside an armored personnel carrier in the eastern Ukrainian city of Sloviansk on April 24.
