Moscow/Kyiv: Tensions on the Ukrainian-Russian border have reached new heights as Pro-Russia rebels in Ukraine accused government forces of shelling a village on Friday.
Meanwhile, Russian media reported more infantry and tank units were returning to their bases in contrast to Western fears of an imminent Russian invasion.
Pro-Russian separatists, who have been at war with Ukraine for years, said they had come under mortar and artillery fire from Ukrainian forces for a second consecutive day.
The Ukrainian government and the rebels blamed each other for escalating tension after artillery and mortar attacks on Thursday, prompting fears that Russia, which has massed more than 100,000 troops near Ukraine’s borders, could get involved.
Kremlin had said on Thursday that it was “deeply concerned” with the flare-up in Ukraine and was watching the situation closely.
The United States said Russia was looking for a pretext for war.
US President Joe Biden said on Thursday that there was now every indication Russia was planning to invade Ukraine, including signs Moscow was carrying out a false flag operation to justify it after Ukrainian forces and pro-Moscow rebels traded fire.
