Poroshenko: Situation in conflict zone changed radically

Poroshenko: Situation in conflict zone changed radically

KIEV -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has accused Russia of launching a "direct and open aggression against Ukraine."

He asserted that this changed the balance of power in the conflict between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian activists.

"The neighboring country has launched a direct and open aggression against Ukraine. It has radically changed the situation in the conflict zone," he said in a speech given at the military academy in Kiev, Reuters reported.

After last week's events in Ukraine - when Ukrainian forces suffered major defeats in clashes with pro-Russian activists - "major personnel changes in the Ukrainian army will be carried out," he announced.

On the other hand, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said his country would not intervene militarily in Ukraine, but warned that the Ukrainian army must withdraw from those positions it can use to target civilians.