“A shootout at a checkpoint run by pro-Russian militants near the town of Slovyansk left at least three people dead on Sunday, highlighting the fraying here in eastern Ukraine of a truce reached days earlier by diplomats in Geneva.” [NYT] “Russia on Monday accused Ukraine of flouting an international accord meant to diffuse the crisis over its separatist east, as US Vice President Joe Biden was to about to arrive in Kiev in a show of support for its pro-Western leaders.” [AFP] Proud host Hopkinton prepares for Marathon like no other [Boston Globe] More from the Globe: “On the day before the first Boston Marathon since the bombings, Boston was awash with sunshine and determination, even as memories of last year cast an occasional shadow on the city’s festive spirit.