Ukraine and Russian-backed separatists are being urged to pull their forces back from front line positions in the east of the country amid new flare-ups in fighting.<br /><br /> The call comes from the UN, the OSCE and aid groups, as concern mounts about a humanitarian crisis. <br /><br /> .UNOCHA is deeply concerned about the drastic deterioration of the security situation in eastern Ukraine: https://t.co/59ma35naHF pic.twitter.com/cICD5W8ipc— United Nations (UN) February 1, 2017<br /><br /> As situation deteriorates in east #Ukraine, thousands remain without electricity, water and heating. We’re doing all we can to provide aid. https://t.co/7fL0zs2olT— ICRC (@ICRC) February 3, 2017<br /><br /> The US Ambassador to the UN has condemned what she calls the aggressive actions of Russia.<br /><br /> In her first comments before UN Security Council, Nikki Haley blasts Russia’s “aggressive actions” in east Ukraine. https://t.co/RhkuNApRYq pic.twitter.com/3t5OW5OxOO— ABC News (@ABC) February 3, 2017<br /><br /> But the Foreign Ministry in Moscow claims Ukraine forces have violated the Geneva Convention, accusing Kiev of what it calls “barbarism”.<br /><br /> “They are not taking any responsibility for what is happening, without any shame,” said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.<br /><br /> The Ukrainian President blamed Russia and the separatist fighters it supports for the latest flare-ups.<br /><br /> At least nine civilians on both sides have been killed since Sunday, with many more injured.<br /><br /> .UNReliefChief calls for immediate #humanitarian access to 3.8 million civilians in eastern #Ukraine. https://t.co/3C3evJizoY pic.twitter.com/fWrcj8Zhil— UN News Centre (UN_News_Centre) February 3, 2017<br /><br /> “We haven’t seen such intense military activity since last summer,” said Ukrainian military spokesman Oleksandr Motuzyanyk. <br /><br /> “Combat operations of the enemy are reported along almost the entire conflict line in three different directions: Mariupol, Donetsk and Luhansk.”<br /><br /> As the US criticised Russia at the UN, Republican Senator John McCain sent President Trump a letter to say that Russia was testing him with the actions in eastern Ukraine.<br /><br /> He called on Washington to give Kiev the help it needs to defend itself.<br /><br /> McCain says Russia testing U.S. in Ukraine, urges Trump to hit back https://t.co/3Kl98HAcSK via Reuters— Seamus Kearney (seamuskearney_) February 3, 2017<br /><br /> Trump is sworn in, rockets fall on Ukraine – Washington Post editorial https://t.co/XDyV42pA6I— Seamus Kearney (@seamuskearney_) February 3, 2017<br /><br /> Putin Testing Trump Early With Ukraine Attacks https://t.co/Udy6Ej1obV— Seamus Kearney (@seamuskearney_) February 3, 2017<br />
