Russian tank columns deployed in restive east Ukraine, says Kiev

Kiev accused Russia on Friday of sending dozens of tanks and other heavy weapons into Ukraine's rebel-controlled eastern areas.

Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council spokesman Andriy Lysenko said at least 32 tanks, 16 artillery systems and 30 trucks loaded with fighters and ammunition had crossed into the country’s east from across the border. He provided no specific evidence.

Kiev and allies in the West have continually accused Moscow of fueling a pro-Russian rebellion in restive parts of Ukraine with troops and weapons, an accusation that Moscow has denied.

The report of a fresh Russian movement across the border follows a charge on Thursday by pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine that Kiev government forces had launched a new offensive, which Kiev immediately denied.

Sporadic violence has continued since a Sept. 5 truce in a conflict that has so far cost more than 4,000 lives.

But the ceasefire has looked particularly fragile this week, with separatists and the central government accusing each other of violations after rebel leaders held elections in self-proclaimed 'people's republics' last Sunday.

"Supplies of military equipment and enemy fighters from the Russian Federation are continuing," Lysenko said. He added that five Ukrainian soldiers had been killed and 16 wounded in the past 24 hours despite the ceasefire.

Russia's Defense Ministry had no immediate comment on Lysenko's statement but earlier it again rejected Western allegations Moscow was deploying more troops near the border.

Ukraine's president has ordered the military to beef up troops on the front line to prevent further losses of territory to the rebel.

Wire services