Billionaire Akhmetov denies claims that he finances separatism (UPDATE)

An armed pro-Russian fighter takes position at a checkpoint near the eastern Ukranian city of Slavyansk on May 12, 2014. Russia raised the stakes in the Ukraine crisis by saying it respected what rebels claimed was a resounding vote in favour of self-rule in the east of the country. But the Kremlin also called for dialogue between authorities in Kiev and rebel leaders, as European Union ministers prepared to meet in Brussels to consider toughening sanctions on Russia. AFP PHOTO / VASILY MAXIMOV