WASHINGTON - The United States now sees the Ukrainian rebels as a Russian force. American officials briefed on intelligence from the region say Russia has significantly deepened its command and control of the militants in eastern Ukraine in recent months, leading the U.S. to quietly introduce a new term: "combined Russian-separatist forces." The State Department used the expression three times in a single statement last week, lambasting Moscow and the insurgents for a series of cease-fire violations in Ukraine.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
Associated Press: US now sees Russia directing Ukraine’s rebels
Pro-Russian separatist soldiers stand on their tank as they drive along a road near the village of Kirovske on April 21, 2015 in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic.
