For political figures like Trump and Putin, courage is redefined as a willingness to break the state’s laws if the state’s own interests – or their own – demand it. The implication is that civilisation endures only if there are brave patriots who will do the dirty work. This is a decidedly right-wing form of “heroism.” It is easy to act nobly on behalf of one’s country – short of sacrificing one’s life for it – but only the strong of heart can bring themselves to commit crimes for it.

The offices of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in eastern Ukraine is closed down by pro-Russian rebels who accused it of spying.

Ukraine's army is starting the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the front line in the east as part of a truce

Pro-Russian separatist leader Alexander Zakharchenko announces plans to recruit 100,000 men, as fighting with Ukrainian forces intensifies.