U.N. rights boss urges dialogue, end to violence in Ukraine

FILE PHOTO: A militant of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic is seen on a platform, as evacuees board a train before leaving the separatist-controlled city of Donetsk, Ukraine February 22, 2022. REUTERS/Alexander Ermochenko/File Photo

GENEVA (Reuters) - The United Nations human rights chief Michelle Bachelet called on Tuesday for efforts to prevent a further escalation of the crisis in Ukraine and a return to dialogue in order to spare civilians and avert an exodus of refugees.

Russian President Vladimir Putin granted official recognition on Monday to two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine, triggering Western condemnation and some sanctions and fuelling fears of a bigger military confrontation in the region.