Russia recalls ambassador as Kiev turns towards EU

Russia recalled its ambassador to Ukraine over what it described as the deteriorating situation in the country. Moscow has condemned the removal of President Viktor Yanukovych, who was dismissed by MPs on Saturday, BBC reported. Ukraine's newly appointed interim President Olexander Turchynov says the country will now focus on closer integration with the EU. Yanukovych's rejection of an EU trade deal in favor of closer ties with Russia had triggered the unrest. EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton is due to arrive in Kiev on Monday to discuss EU support "for a lasting solution to the political crisis and measures to stabilize the economic situation". US Secretary of State John Kerry has said the US strongly supports the Ukrainian parliament's vote to impeach Yanukovych and call elections, the central demand of months of protests. On Sunday, he said the vote offered "the best and most promising path forward to restore peace and stability", according to a statement.