Russian ambassador to return to Ukraine

MOSCOW - Russian Ambassador to Ukraine Mikhail Zurabov would return to his duties after attending the inauguration of President Petro Poroshenko, a senior Russian official said Thursday.

Ukraine crisis

"The decision is made that the Russian ambassador will return to Kiev, return to his duties and will attend only the official part of the inauguration ceremony," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin said.

Russia called its ambassador to Ukraine back to Moscow for "consultations" on Feb. 23, as the situation in Ukraine escalated.

Poroshenko is to be sworn in as Ukrainian president on June 7. The inauguration ceremony will be held at the Ukrainian parliament building at 10 am local time (0700 GMT) Saturday.