Obama to meet Merkel as Ukraine launches attack on rebel-held city

• President Obama is due to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel today, when the Ukraine crisis is set to be high on the agenda.
• The U.S. wants to be able to widen the sanctions against Russia - which have so far been limited - to the broader economy if the situation continues to escalate. However, Merkel is under pressure from major German companies such as Siemens (SI), Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB) and Volkswagen for no further action.
• Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have launched an attack to retake the eastern city of Slaviansk from pro-Russian separatists, who have shot down at least one helicopter gunship, killing the pilot. Ukraine officials indicated that the use of anti-aircraft missiles shows that Russia is behind the ferment.
• The IMF has warned that should Ukraine lose territory in the east, the fund would probably have to add to the country's $17B international bailout.
• Russia's Micex index is +0.1% and the USD-RUB is +0.6% at 35.814 rubles.
• More on Ukraine
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