Ukrainians are casting ballots in Sunday's presidential election that follows a campaign marred by vicious political infighting and allegations of bribing of voters. The 42-million nation will choose from among 39 candidates it hopes can guide the country out of troubles including endemic corruption, a seemingly intractable conflict with Russia-backed separatists in the country's east and a struggling economy.

Ukrainian police have recovered a painting by French Impressionist Paul Signac stolen from a French museum. The 1915 painting depicting the port of La Rochelle was found in the possession of a man who was arrested in Kiev on suspicion of involvement in a killing.

Ukraine's leader has asked for a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the Russian troop buildup across his country's border and the escalating tensions in eastern Ukraine, but the request has not been answered so far, his spokeswoman said Monday.