WASHINGTON D.C.
The newly appointed Ukrainian Defense Minister has requested United States military aid in fighting pro-Russian separatists, the Pentagon has said.
Commenting on a telephone call between Valeriy Heletey and U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel on Monday, Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby said Ukraine had been told that such requests will be reviewed, beginning with discussions through the U.S. embassy in Kiev.
Government forces have been attempting to consolidate gains in the rebellious eastern provinces of Luhansk and Donetsk.
The UN has said the fighting has claimed more than 1,100 lives since mid-April.
The situation in eastern Ukraine continues to worsen despite the government’s gains, Heletey said. He added that the surge in violence, including the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17, is directly attributable to Russian support for the rebels.
Fierce clashes between rebels and government forces were reported on Monday near the MH17 crash site.
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