Russian President Putin Says He Won't Ignore Crimea Leader's 'Plea for Help'

Gazprom facility across the moscow river. (Photo by Greg Westfall)

Russian gas giant Gazprom turns the screws on Ukraine: The energy corporation said Saturday that Ukraine owes a "huge" debt of $1.55 billion for unpaid gas and may not be able to keep the discount it currently enjoys for Russian gas imports.

Russia says will not ignore Crimea leader's request for help (via AFP)

Russia will not ignore a request to President Vladimir Putin from the prime minister of the Ukrainian region of Crimea for help in restoring calm to the peninsula, the Kremlin said Saturday. The newly-chosen prime minister of the Ukrainian southern…