Ukraine referendum tensions weigh on markets

LONDON (AP) — Renewed jitters about Ukraine as pro-Russian militants pressed ahead with plans for an independence referendum weighed on markets Friday.

Ukraine continued to loom large for investors. Insurgents in the country’s east are preparing for a weekend referendum on independence, a vote similar to the plebiscite that paved the way for Moscow’s annexation of Crimea in March. Preparations have continued despite a call by Russian President Vladimir Putin to put off the vote amid negotiations with the West over Ukraine’s future.