Moscow points the finger at Kyiv for fighting:
Russia has accused Kyiv of aggravating tensions in eastern Ukraine following the biggest upsurge of fighting between Ukrainian government troops and pro-Russian separatists in months.
"The Ukrainian side has taken steps to aggravate tensions many times in the past in the run-up to some major international events," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on June 4. "We are seriously concerned now over the most recent manifestation of such activity."
Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) major economies are meeting in Germany on June 7–8 and a European Union summit is scheduled for later this month.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the Minsk peace agreement faced a "constant threat" from the Ukrainian side.
He said the Kyiv authorities were "trying to avoid fulfilling their obligations" to establish direct dialogue with the rebels.
The Minsk deal has served as the basis for a shaky cease-fire since February. (Reuters, AFP, TASS, Interfax)
Here is today's map of the military situation in eastern Ukraine, according to the National Security and Defense Council:
WATCH: The Tekstilshik District on the outskirts of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine appears to have come under artillery fire. Emergency workers rushed to the market in the territory held by Russian-backed rebels. Separatists and government forces blamed each other for the attack. (RFE/RL's Current Time)
West Concerned Over Escalation Of Ukraine Violence, Warn Russia
The West has expressed alarm over an escalation of violence in eastern Ukraine and called on Russia to act to reduce tension.
The European Union expressed concern that clashes between Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian separatists near the town of Maryinka on June 3 could lead to a "new spiral of violence and suffering."
European Commission spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic also warned Moscow on June 4 that the future of sanctions imposed on Russia would depend on implementation of the peace deal reached in Minsk.
The U.S. State Department warned Russia that any attempts by rebel forces to seize additional Ukrainian territory "will be met with increased costs."
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned of the threat of military escalation, saying, "We must urgently aim to bring the situation under control."
France's Foreign Ministry called for an "unconditional" implementation of the peace agreement.