Pentagon ‘chief’ inclined to send weapons

Ashton Carter’s remarks came at his confirmation hearing before a Senate panel, as successor to Chuck Hagel.

 

The US has so far only provided “non-lethal” assistance to Ukraine, like night-vision goggles and radios.

 

But President Barack Obama is said to be reconsidering his position, accusing Russia of escalating the conflict.

 

Russia denies accusations by Ukraine and the West of arming the separatists and sending its regular troops across the border.

 

Fighting has intensified in recent weeks in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions – leaving a September ceasefire in tatters. On Wednesday, three people were killed and many wounded when a shell hits a hospital in the rebel stronghold of Donetsk, local officials said.

 

Read More: BBC News – Ukraine crisis: Pentagon ‘chief’ inclined to send weapons