Kerry privately urges Poroshenko to provide evidence of Kremlin involvement with separatists in Ukra

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36. Concerns about possible escalation of Ukraine crisis have risen -ECB

(Reuters) - The European Central Bank said on Thursday concerns have risen about a possible escalation of tensions between Ukraine and Russia which could affect the euro zone via trade, financial links and oil prices.

Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region in March was met with protests from Western nations, which have imposed visa bans and asset freezes on officials, lawmakers and companies close to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

At the G7 summit that ended on Thursday and was held without Russia, leaders threatened to impose harder-hitting sanctions if Moscow does not help restore stability to eastern Ukraine.

The ECB published its staff macroeconomic projections, drawn up by staff from all euro zone central banks, on Thursday. An article in the publication said hard data for the euro zone appeared to be largely unaffected by events in Ukraine, but that there was "anecdotal evidence of possibly increased uncertainty related to the crisis".

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/06/05/ecb-ukraine-idUSL6N0OM59820140605