MOSCOW - The simmering standoff in eastern Ukraine exploded into warfare early on July 1, pushing the conflict to a dangerous new phase and prompting President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia to warn again that he reserves the right to use force to defend Russian-speaking citizens.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
New York Times: Putin warns again of force as Ukraine fighting spreads
Pro-Russia armed separatists stand guard at a checkpoint outside the town of Metalist, north of Lugansk, eastern Ukraine, on June 28, 2014.
