DHAKA: US President Barack Obama has urged Russia to move its troops in Ukraine`s Crimea region back to their bases and set up a monitoring mission there, White House officials say.

The offer to Russian President Vladimir Putin was made as Moscow remained in de facto control of the strategic region.

Washington has described this as an "act of aggression" by Moscow - a claim denied by Mr Putin.

Meanwhile, Russia said it had tested an intercontinental ballistic missile.

The defence ministry said a Topol RS-12M missile had been successfully launched from Russia`s Kapustin Yar test range near the Caspian Sea to the Sary Shagan range in Kazakhstan.

Washington said it had been given advance notice of the missile launch, as required by bilateral arms treaties.

Tensions have been escalating over Russia`s military deployment in Crimea and warnings that it could also move into eastern Ukraine to protect Russians and Russian speakers there.

The move has triggered wide condemnation across the globe.

Source: BBC
BDST:  0851 HRS, MAR 05, 2014