US condemns Russia for rise in Ukraine fighting

The US has condemned Russia's "aggressive actions" in eastern Ukraine, where Moscow-backed rebels are fighting pro-Kiev government forces.

UN ambassador Nikki Haley blamed the Kremlin for a surge in violence in the region, which has this week seen its highest casualty rate since mid-December.

At least 10 people have been killed since Monday and dozens more wounded, including civilians, on both sides.

In her first public comments to the Security Council since taking up the position, Ms Haley said: "I consider it unfortunate on the occasion of my first appearance here I must condemn the aggressive actions of Russia.

"It shouldn't happen, or be that way. We do want to better our relations with Russia.

"However, the dire situation in eastern Ukraine is one that demands clear and strong condemnation of Russian actions."

The US supplied drones, radar, first-aid kits, night vision and communications gear to Ukraine under the Obama administration, which focused on Russian sanctions and diplomacy to end the conflict.

President Trump has called for better US relations with Russia but Senator John McCain has called on him to give Ukrainian government forces the lethal aid needed to defend against attacks.

Mr McCain also wants sanctions against Moscow, imposed after Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, increased.

Power and water has been cut off to thousands of civilians on both sides of the front line amid freezing winter temperatures.

Meanwhile, the US Treasury has announced exceptions to sanctions against Russia's intelligence agency the FSB, formerly known as the KGB.

But the White House insisted they had not been eased and said the move was part of a "regular course of action".

The sanctions were slapped on Moscow in December by Barack Obama after Russia allegedly tried to influence the US election by hacking Democratic party emails.

But now American companies will be allowed limited transactions with the Federal Security Service (FSB) that are needed to get permission to import IT products into Russia.

Experts said the exceptions made on Thursday were likely in progress before President Trump took office in January.

Meanwhile, Rex Tillerson has begun his first day as the new US secretary of state.

There have been fears that the former boss of oil giant ExxonMobil who now heads the state department is too close to Russia.

Addressing these concerns, Mr Trump said: "He is respected all over the world and I think he will go down as one of our great, great secretaries."

The President's temporary ban on refugees and citizens from seven mainly Muslim countries led to disquiet in the state department.

But Mr Tillerson tried to reassure his staff that he respects their expertise and patriotism.

Also, the UK defence secretary has warned that Russia is "weaponising misinformation" in a campaign of destabilisation against the West.

Sir Michael Fallon accused Moscow of using cyber weaponry to "disrupt critical infrastructure and disable democratic machinery" in attacks on western countries, including France and Germany.

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