The U.S. and Ukrainian governments are accusing Russia of launching a new cross-border operation to back separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine. On Wednesday, officials in Washington and Kiev said Russian forces had moved across the border for the third time this week, effectively opening a third front in Ukraine’s battle with the rebels. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Russia has launched a counteroffensive against Ukrainian troops.
Jen Psaki: “These incursions indicate a Russian-directed counteroffensive is likely underway in Donetsk and Luhansk. Clearly, that is of deep concern to us. I’ll also note that we are — and I’m not sure, many of you have seen this — but we’re also concerned by the Russian government’s unwillingness to tell the truth even as its soldiers are found 30 miles inside Ukraine. Russia is sending its young men into Ukraine, but are telling — are not telling them where they’re going or telling their parents what they’re doing.”
The apparent Russian operations have helped separatist forces make several advances, including on the town of Novoazovsk earlier today.
