US Alarmed Over Reports of Russian Buildup in Eastern Ukraine

(VOA) — The White House voiced «grave concern» Sunday over reports of military reinforcements pouring into eastern Ukraine from neighboring Russia, including the cross-border transfer of heavy weapons and tanks.
National Security Council spokeswoman Bernadette Meehan also warned that any move by pro-Russian rebels to seize more territory in Ukraine’s embattled east would be seen as a «blatant violation» of a cease-fire deal with the Kyiv government.
The latest U.S. warning comes as European monitors reported convoys of heavy weapons and armor moving into the east.
Meehan urged both sides to fully honor their commitments to a September 5 truce, particularly Moscow’s promise to stop the cross-border flow of troops, weapons and supplies.
NATO sources say the tanks moving into Ukraine’s east appeared to be unmanned, and said they did not display any identifying markings.  But a spokesperson said they «represent a potential for significant reinforcements» to rebel forces.
The Kyiv government on Friday accused Moscow of sending more than 30 tanks and truckloads of troops in support of the pro-Russian rebellion.
Moscow has repeatedly denied any official military involvement in Ukraine, and has described Russian troops fighting alongside rebels as volunteers doing so on their own time.

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