Kremlin Warns States Against Actions Which May Lead to East Ukraine Escalation

All countries should avoid actions which may lead to an escalation of tensions in Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday commenting on reports of possible US supplies of anti-tank missiles and other arms to the country.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – On Monday, The Wall Street Journal reported citing US diplomats and military officials that the US state and defense departments had devised a plan to supply Ukraine with antitank missiles and other weaponry. According to the media outlet, the Pentagon and the State Department are seeking the approval of the White House on the issue.

"Our position on the issue is well known – we believe that all countries, especially the countries which somehow seek a role in reconciliation, should avoid any actions which could trigger another round of tensions in this already difficult region," Peskov told reporters when asked whether Russia was planning any negotiations with Washington or any actions to help eastern Ukraine.

On Monday, reports in the US media emerged saying that the US Defense and State Departments came up with a plan to supply Ukraine with antitank missiles and other weaponry and were awaiting White House approval.

The arms, which are characterized as defensive, are apparently meant to deter aggressive actions by Russia in the country, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing American military officials and diplomats.

A violent military conflict in Ukraine started in 2014 after the residents of the eastern Donbas region refused to recognize the new Ukrainian government that came to power in what they perceived to be a coup.

In February 2015, the parties to the Ukrainian conflict signed the Minsk peace accords to end the fighting in the crisis-torn region.