Russia accused of deploying troops to Ukraine

World Today

Russian fighterA pro-Russian fighter stands in Troitsko-Khartsyzk, 30 Km east of Donetsk, on August 28, 2014. Mortar bombardments have killed 11 civilians and wounded 22 more in east Ukraine’s main rebel bastion of Donetsk over the past 24 hours, local authorities said on August 28. (Photo: AFP/Francisco Leong)

Accusations of a Russian invasion in Ukraine could lead to a full-scale war. The United Nations Security Council met on Thursday in a special session. The main question at the core of the session was whether or not Russia did deploy troops to Ukraine. CCTV America’s Kate Parkinson reports from Donetsk.

Follow Kate Parkinson on Twitter @katecctvnews

There was heavy and intense shelling throughout the day in Donetsk, the heaviest in two weeks. Shells were landing in civilian areas, a market was hit, and apartment blocks also hit factories. A school was hit late Wednesday night.

Local authorities say at least 25 people were killed in Donetsk Thursday and 11 people Wednesday. One man was completely blown to pieces after his balcony took a direct hit while he was standing on it.

The fighting, which has been mainly focused around the cities of Donetsk and towards the east of Luhansk for the past few weeks, has now spread south where a new front has opened up, close to the Russian border. After weeks of the Ukrainian government making gains, the tide seems to be turning. Kiev says this is because Russia is sending troops in to help the rebels.

Evidence of Russia’s alleged involvement is certainly mounting. Photos were taken close to the Russian-Ukrainian boarder, of military vehicles with no military identification markings. They were seen heading away from Ukraine. However, on the same road, other trucks with the same distinctive white circles were seen heading towards the border.

Ukraine’s Security Council released a video which it says shows a Russian tank in the southeastern town of Novoazovsk. Moscow denies allegations that it is arming the rebels or sending soldiers across the border.

A rebel leader on Thursday said there are Russian soldiers in the rebel ranks.

“Among volunteers from Russia there have always been many retired military servicemen. They fight alongside us, understanding that this is their duty. Moreover, I will be even more frank with you – there are currently serving soldiers among us who preferred to spend their vacations not on sea beaches but among us, among brothers fighting for their freedom.” -Alexander Zakharchenko, Prime Minister of Self Proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic

CCTV America’s Tom Barton reports from Moscow on the official reaction to allegations on Russia, as well as the mood among the public.

Follow Tom Barton on Twitter @TomBartonJourno