NATO’s top military commander said Wednesday the “backbone” of pro-Russian separatist rebels sowing seeds of unrest in eastern Ukraine is composed of Russian troops.
After meeting with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, U.S. Air Force General Philip Breedlove told reporters that Russia was “training, equipping, giving backbone … helping [separatist] forces in the field,” Reuters reported.
The general’s comments come less than one week since Vice President Joseph R. Biden visited Kiev and pledged $46 million in nonlethal assistance to Ukraine’s military.
Gen. Breedlove added during his remarks that Russia is teaching rebels in eastern Ukraine how to use advanced weaponry that is being funneled into the country, Reuters reported.
Russia continues to deny that is it sending military aid into Ukraine.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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