President Vladimir V. Putin (2)

Sign of a Chill: E.U. Doesn't Set Table for Putin By ANDREW HIGGINS President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia arrived in Brussels absent the customary ceremony, a small sign that unrest in Ukraine has chilled Russian relations with Europe.

Putin, Secure in Power, Says He May Free Jailed Rival By STEVEN LEE MYERS and DAVID M. HERSZENHORN President Vladimir V. Putin said that Mikhail B. Khodorkovsky, the former oil tycoon, could soon be freed from prison, a reversal many saw as an attempt to quiet critics before the Winter Olympics.

Russian Amnesties

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Unless followed by a strengthening of the rule of law, President Putin's amnesties are an imperial gesture, not a sign that justice has been served. 

 Buoyed by a Deal With Russia, Ukraine's Leader Tries to Reassert His Authority

By ALISON SMALE

President Viktor F. Yanukovich repeated assurances that there would be no violent move to clear out antigovernment protesters in Kiev, yet also warned outside powers against interference.