Responding to the Russian media agencies’ claims, Ukraine denies shelling separatists' positions in East Ukraine.

Earlier today, a sudden risk-off wave shook markets after Sputnik reported that the Ukrainian military forces fired mortars and grenades in four Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) localities, which is located in the Donbas region, internationally recognized to be a part of Ukraine but run by Russian-backed separatists.

Markets remain unnerved as it could be a false flag from the Russian while Ukraine declines the firing.

S&P 500 futures is trimming losses, now trading back above 4,450, down 0.31% on the day. AUD/USD is looking to recapture 0.7200 while the US dollar is treating from daily highs of 96.11.