.png)
.jpg)
.png)
US considers sending 'lethal aid' to Ukraine as conflict continues
The reports come amid a spike in fighting in the east of the country.
Buildings burn after a shelling struck the outskirts of the small southern Ukrainian city of Novoazovsk, Donetsk region (File photo)
The US administration is considering whether to send arms to help the Ukraine government against pro-Russian rebels in the east, US media report.
They suggest officials are exploring the possibility of sending defensive weapons and other lethal aid. The deliveries could include anti-tank, anti-air and anti-mortar systems, CNN reported.
An unnamed official said that a decision on the matter was not imminent but that the recent spike in violence has led to a re-examination of US policy.
No decision has been made, but a National Security spokesperson said the US was "constantly assessing" its policies in Ukraine.
The reports come amid a spike in fighting in the east of the country.
President Barack Obama had originally been firmly opposed to arming the Ukrainian military, fearing a proxy battle between the US and Russia.
US Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Kiev for talks with Ukraine's government later in the week. Russia denies Western accusations that it is supplying weapons and personnel to the rebels.
