Russian-backed separatists down drone

Germany and France say it appears that Russian-backed separatists in Ukraine downed a drone being used by neutral European observers and are demanding accountability. In a joint statement, they said Thursday the downing is a “clear violation” of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, which is to have unimpeded access. The drone disappeared Oct. 27 while following a convoy of seven trucks in Ukraine near the Russian border.