Chechen leaders deny involvement in a clash between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian forces that killed dozens in Donetsk.
The two oil giants will keep drilling together in the Arctic.
The violence broke out about 12 miles south of Donetsk at an army checkpoint controlled by pro-Russian separatists.
Russia signed a $400 billion natural gas contract with China early Wednesday, and experts think many more deals are on the horizon.
Even if the long-term economic effect of the $400 billion natural gas deal is small, Beijing and Moscow have formed a major partnership.
Russian President Vladimir Putin explains why he ordered his troops to pull back from regions near Ukraine.
Russia needs China's markets more than China wants Russian gas.
As Vladimir Putin travels to Shanghai, the relationship between the two former enemies has never been better. But key differences remain.
China is not the only country discussing oil and gas deals with Russia.
“I would like to emphasize once again that we were forced to make this decision,” Putin said in a letter to European leaders.
Russia's president has shown remarkable improvement since learning to skate in 2011.
Russian President Vladimir Putin flew to Sevastopol on Friday to celebrate the 1945 Soviet victory over the Nazis.
Russia took major steps to distance itself from separatists in the east this week. Could that help broker peace?
The decision, which contradicted the conciliatory tone set by Putin a day earlier, caused consternation in the West.
Pro-Russian separatists have decided to go ahead with Sunday's referendum on autonomy.
"Russians won't abandon their own," militants chant.
"It will be impossible to convince them to lay down arms," says Putin spokesman Dmitri Peskov.
Some long for "the good old days," while others fear them.
Detainees may face charges of inciting riots and murder for Friday's violence in eastern Ukraine.
Ukraine says pro-Russians defending their grip on eastern city of Slavyansk have shot down two helicopters, killing at least one pilot.
SpaceX wants its contract, but the United Launch Alliance isn't going to let it go so easily.
In its quarterly call, the company assured shareholders that sanctions against a Russian oil company president won't impede business.