IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Russia

Ukrainian troops cross border

A Russian border security official said more than 400 Ukrainian soldiers crossed into Russia, according to a report from the Interfax news agency. It wasn't immediately clear why the soldiers entered Russia, with the two sides giving conflicting accounts. The Russian official said the soldiers deserted the Kiev government and the Russian side opened a safe corridor, while a Ukrainian military official said the soldiers, without giving a number, were forced into Russian territory by rebel fire after running out of ammunition.

Military drill due this week

Russia announced new military exercises involving bombers and fighter jets on Monday in a show of strength near the border with Ukraine. An air force spokesman was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying more than 100 planes and helicopters will take part in the maneuvers from Monday until Friday in its central and western districts.

Ukraine

Kiev recaptures railway hub

Five government soldiers were killed and 15 wounded over the last 24 hours in fighting in eastern Ukraine where Kiev forces recaptured the important railway hub of Yasynuvata from rebels, a security official in Kiev said on Monday. Government troops have now all but encircled the rebels' second-largest stronghold of Luhansk, and rebels declared a "state of siege" in Donetsk, the largest city they hold.

United States

2nd missionary to get treatment

A second US missionary stricken with Ebola is expected to fly to the United States on Tuesday for treatment. Nancy Writebol's son, Jeremy Writebol, said his mother "is still struggling" but that "there seems to be improvement", and that the family is optimistic she will recover amid a spreading Ebola outbreak that has killed at least 729 people in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone.

Saudi Arabia

Nepali maid beheaded

Saudi authorities on Monday beheaded a Nepali housemaid convicted of murdering a 2-year-old boy by slitting his throat, the Interior Ministry said. The housemaid was found guilty of "slaughtering with a knife" the Saudi toddler Osama bin Maeed al-Enzi, the ministry said in a statement carried by the SPA state news agency. The ministry provided no details about the crime. The maid's execution in the northern city of Arar brings to 16 the number of death sentences carried out this year in the kingdom.

Reuters-AP-AFP

(China Daily 08/05/2014 page12)