California gasoline prices hit another record Thursday and are inching toward $5 a gallon — a level that could persist as Russia moves troops into Ukraine. “California could stay near or above $5 a gallon for a few months.

China on Wednesday accused the U.S. of creating “fear and panic” over the crisis in Ukraine, and called for talks to reduce rapidly building tensions. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said China is opposed to new unilateral sanctions.