Main News of February 20

WORLD

* The European Union resolved to impose sanctions against government officials in Ukraine linked to violence that has claimed dozens of lives

* The president of Ukraine told European foreign ministers that he is willing to hold early elections this year, the prime minister of Poland has told reporters

* Dozens were killed in renewed unrest in Ukraine’s capital as the violent standoff between the government and opposition pushed the former Soviet nation to the verge of all-out civil conflict

RUSSIA

* Concerns about the Russian economy grew following data published Wednesday showing that investment by Russian companies fell 7 percent last month as compared with January 2012

* Russia’s first large rocket since the Soviet era is on track for a maiden launch this year and will be competitive with foreign rivals, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said

* The Russian government has announced that it is increasing compensation to disaster and terrorism victims and their families

SPORTS

* Russia’s Adelina Sotnikova put in a sensational free skate to snatch the Sochi Olympic gold medal away from Kim Yuna and deny the South Korean back-to-back titles