The growing belief that Russian troops are aiding separatists in Ukraine has lent added urgency to meetings of NATO and EU foreign ministers. The German government is now speaking of a "military intervention" by Moscow., reports GHN based on dw.de
The escalating crisis in eastern Ukraine has unleashed a flurry of diplomatic activity, as Western nations increasingly see their suspicions of direct Russian involvement in the conflict confirmed.
NATO ambassadors held talks in Brussels on Friday with the head of Ukraine's mission at the alliance, Ihor Dolhov.
Following the meeting, NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen said Russian intervention in Ukraine must stop.
"We urge Russia to cease its illegal military actions," he said.
NATO said on Thursday that at least 1,000 Russian troops were in Ukraine, later releasing satellite photos purporting to show Russian self-propelled artillery units moving last week. It also said Russia had massed 20,000 troops near the border.