Putin calls for talks on east Ukraine "statehood"; Kremlin denies endorsing independence

1 OF 3. Figurines of former pro-Russian separatist commander Igor Strelkov from the collection entitled "Toy Soldiers of Novorossiya" are on display at a workshop in Moscow August 29, 2014. 

2 OF 3. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko holds a news conference at the European Council headquarters during an EU summit in Brussels August 30, 2014. -3OF 3. Ukrainian servicemen ride in an armoured vehicle in Kramatorsk August 30, 2014. 

BY KATYA GOLUBKOVA AND ALEKSANDAR VASOVIC-Sun Aug 31, 2014

(Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin called on Sunday for immediate talks on "statehood" for southern and eastern Ukraine, although his spokesman said this did not mean Moscow now endorsed rebel calls for independence for territory they have seized.
Putin Calls for Talks on East Ukraine Statehoo Kremlin Denies Endorsing Independence by Thavam