UKRAINE
Russia Using Own Military Resources To Sustain Ukraine Conflict, IN PHOTO: U.S. General Philip Breedlove (C), NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, speaks with Poland's General Boguslaw Samol (L) during his visit to the Multinational Corps Northeast in Szczecin, north-western Poland January 13, 2015. NATO's top military commander, Breedlove, said on Tuesday the defense alliance was looking at beefing up its exercises in the Baltic Sea region in response to a surge in Russian military maneuvers there late last year. Reuters/Cezary Aszkielowicz

The NATO Commander Gen. Philip Breedlove said in a House Armed Services hearing on Feb. 25 that even if the U.S. decides to send weapons to Ukraine, the effort will not stop the pro-Russia rebels to expand their territory in eastern Ukraine.

The U.S. military already has a deep relationship with Ukraine even before the current conflict began, reports Reuters. The Obama administration has been considering a proposal to increase the U.S.'s support in Ukraine by providing “defensive lethal aid”. The U.S. is currently sending non-lethal aid such as medical supplies, communications equipment and body armour.

Breedlove said he has prepared his advice and submitted it through his chain of command. In a Pentagon press briefing, he declined to offer more details on his recommendations. The NATO commander believes that experts have different views about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s response, in case the U.S. decides to send lethal aid to Ukraine.

“What is clear is it is not getting better. It is getting worse everyday,” said Breedlove. He also added that Putin wants the West divided to expand Russia's control in Ukraine.

Though, according to a WSJ report, the NATO membership provides military protection to the Baltic nations, the NATO Commander Gen. did not rule out the possibility of Russia interfering with it. He said Mr Putin understands the military protection NATO provides but it won’t stop him from reaching out to the Russian-speaking population in the Baltic region.

Meanwhile, Mariupol could reportedly be the next target of pro-Russia rebels. British Prime Minister David Cameron said the rebels might set their sights on Mariupol after the fighting in Debaltseve. According to The Guardian, Ukraine soldiers are already building a second line of defence around the industrial centre amid reports of rebel sightings in the area.

Following his announcement that British military troops will be sent to Ukraine as advisers, Mr Cameron said the capture of Mariupol by rebels will only lead to more sanctions against Moscow. Contrary to the Western leader's opinion, the pro-Russia rebels have denied the allegations of taking Mariupol. Eduard Basurin, the deputy head of the Donetsk militia, has reiterated that no attack on Mariupol will take place since the rebels are “fulfilling” the Minsk peace deal.

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