Murders of pro-Russian lobbyists increase tension in Ukraine standoff

KIEV (Reuters) - A Ukrainian journalist known for his pro-Russian views was shot dead on Thursday in Kiev, a day after the killing of a political supporter of ousted Moscow-backed President Viktor Yanukovich, driving up tension between Moscow and Kiev.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the murders were political while Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko described them as deliberate acts which "play into the hands of our enemies" and ordered an immediate and transparent investigation.