Friday, September 05, 2014

DTN News: Ukraine Crisis Top Stories / Headlines News Dated September 5, 2014

DTN News: Ukraine Crisis Top Stories / Headlines News Dated September 5, 2014
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 5, 2014: Comprehensive daily news related to Ukraine Crisis Top Stories / Headlines News for the world of TODAY.

*Comprehensive daily news related to Ukraine Crisis Top Stories / Headlines News for the world of TODAY
  • Ukraine crisis: Is the noose around Putin tightening?

    BBC News-5 hours ago
    "Putin sincerely believes that 'Orange Revolutions' in Ukraine were instigated by the US State Department and that Kiev's Association ...
    The Ukraine Blame Game
    U.S. News & World Report (blog)-5 hours ago
  • The Independent

    Ukraine crisis: NATO, Ukraine optimistic about potential ceasefire

    CBC.ca-14 hours ago
    Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen have expressed cautious optimism about an ...
  • Ukraine crisis: Kyiv, pro-Russian rebels sign agreement in Minsk to ...

    CBC.ca-8 hours ago
    Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko confirmed on his Twitter account that envoys meeting in Minsk to end fighting between Kyiv's forces and ...
  • In Eastern Europe, Ukraine Crisis Focuses Minds on NATO and ...

    New York Times-11 hours ago
    The 32nd Air Base in Lask, southwest of Warsaw. American troops arrived Friday to begin a monthlong NATO training exercise with their Polish ...
  • Ukraine crisis: Petro Poroshenko says ceasefire could come Friday

    CBC.ca-Sep 4, 2014
    Ukraine and the pro-Russian separatists appeared increasingly close to signing a deal to end four months of fighting, even as Ukraine's leader ...
  • Ukraine crisis: Fighting between Ukrainian army, rebels subsides as ...

    CBC.ca-4 hours ago
    Heavy fighting between Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian rebels appeared to subside after envoys meeting in Minsk approved a ...
  • Ukraine crisis: NATO agrees to cheer for Kyiv, but not much more

    CBC.ca-9 hours ago
    One thing hasn't changed though: The line still runs to the west ofUkraine. Having lunged to cross to the western side, it seemsUkraine is still ...
  • Ukraine crisis: EU and US prepare tighter Russia sanctions

    BBC News-Sep 4, 2014
    Western countries are preparing to tighten sanctions on Russia over its action in Ukraine, US and British officials say. Targets would include ...
  • Ukraine crisis: Minsk peace talks underway with ceasefire hanging ...

    CBC.ca-9 hours ago
    Talks expected to bring a much-anticipated ceasefire to the fighting in eastern Ukrainebegan Friday in the Belarusian capital even as the ...
  • *Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth 
    *Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
    *Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
    *This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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    DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated September 5, 2014

    DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated September 5, 2014
    Source: K. V. Seth - DTN News + U.S. DoD issued No. CR-170-14 September 5, 2014
    (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 5, 2014: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued September 5, 2014 are undermentioned;

    CONTRACTS
    NAVY
    CDM-AECOM Multimedia Joint Venture, Fairfax, Virginia, is being awarded a maximum amount $85,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, architect-engineering contract for architectural-engineering services involving preparation of studies, plans, specifications, design, reports, cost estimates and all associated engineering services in support of Navy and other Department of Defense environmental compliance programs for Navy, Marine Corps and other Defense Department installations and federal agencies within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic area of responsibility (AOR) worldwide. The services include petroleum storage tank and assets compliance, oil preparedness and planning compliance, Air Quality and Clean Air Act compliance, Safe Drinking Water Act compliance, Clean Water Act compliance (stormwater), Clean Water Act compliance (wastewater) and waste management. No task orders are being issued at this time. All work on this contract will be performed at various Navy and Marine Corps facilities and other Defense Department installations and federal agencies within the NAVFAC Atlantic AOR world-wide including, but not limited to, California (20 percent); Virginia (20 percent); North Carolina (20 percent); Europe (20 percent); Florida (5 percent); Maryland (5 percent) Washington, District of Columbia (5 percent); and Georgia (5 percent). The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months with an expected completion date of September 2019. Fiscal 2014 operation and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $10,000 are being obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N62470-14-D-9016).
    Lockheed Martin Corp., Littleton, Colorado, is being awarded a $45,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the production, installation and continued sustainment of a General Service, Cross Domain Solution (CDS), Radiant Mercury (RM). RM is a CDS that brokers the exchange of data between different security domains by sanitizing, downgrading, guarding and transliterating formatted data between different security compartment levels. The contract has a five-year ordering period, up to the contract award amount. Work will be performed in Littleton, Colorado, and is expected to be completed by Aug. 31, 2019. No contract funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated as individual delivery orders are placed. No contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured because it is a sole source acquisition pursuant to FAR 6.302-1(a)(2) and FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)(ii)(A) and (B). The Space and Navy Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N00039-14-D-0013).
    Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Hurst, Texas, is being awarded a $41,776,269 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of three UH-1Y flight training devices, one AH-1Z flight training device, aircraft and/or trainer driven revisions, aircraft common operational equipment, provisioned spares, associated technical data required for operational and maintenance support, and three months of initial operation evaluation period for each flight training device. Work will be performed at Broken Arrow, Oklahoma (46 percent); Fort Worth, Texas (33 percent); St. Louis, Missouri (15 percent); and Austin, Texas (6 percent), and is expected to be completed in June 2018. Fiscal 2012 aircraft procurement (Navy Reserve) and 2014 aircraft procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $41,776,269 is being obligated on this award, $29,120,770 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302.1. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Florida, is the contract activity (N61340-14-C-1000).
    Dawson-Hawaiian Builders I,* Honolulu, Hawaii, is being awarded a $16,231,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction of a low-rise building for the Third Radio Battalion Complex at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The contract also contains one unexercised option, which if exercised would increase cumulative contract value to $17,003,000. The complex includes offices for Battalion Headquarters, Headquarters and Service Company, Company A and Company B. The project also provides for classroom and other training spaces and offices, platoon command offices and workspaces, mail room, family readiness and career planning offices, and other workspaces needed to support Third Radio. Work will be performed in Kaneohe, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by October 2016. Fiscal 2010 and 2014 military construction (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $16,231,000 are being obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with nine proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62742-14-C-1310).
    Raytheon Co., El Segundo, California, is being awarded $11,403,294 for firm-fixed-price delivery order 7040 under a previously awarded Basic Ordering Agreement (N00383-10-G-005H) for the repair of 288 radar component units consisting of 18 different weapons repairable assemblies used in support of the F/A-18 Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar System. Work will be performed in El Segundo, California; and work is expected to be completed March 27, 2015. Fiscal 2014 Navy working capital funds in the amount of $11,403,294 will be obligated at the time of award and funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c)(l). The NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity.
    Central Texas College, Killeen, Texas, is being awarded a $9,410,083 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm fixed-price task orders contract for the provision of education courses to sailors, both instructor led and distance learning, to include courses for academic skills, undergraduate and graduate levels. The contract will include a one-year base period and four one-year option periods, which if exercised, will bring the amount to $48,898,382. Work will be performed onboard various Navy ships (64 percent); San Diego, California (15 percent); Norfolk, Virginia (15 percent); Mayport, Florida (2 percent); Bremerton/Everett, Washington (2 percent); and Yokosuka, Japan (2 percent), and work is expected to be completed Sept. 30, 2015. If all options are exercised, work will continue through Sept. 30, 2019. Fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance (Navy) in the amount of $10,000 will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with one offer received in response to this solicitation. NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center, Norfolk, Contracting Department, Philadelphia Office, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity (N00189-14-D-Z038).
    ATAP, Inc., Eastaboga, Alabama, is being awarded an $8,268,000 firm-fixed-price contract for Inspect Repair Only As Necessary (IROAN) of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Cougar. Work will be performed in Eastaboga, Alabama, and is expected to be completed September 2015. Fiscal 2014 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $8,268,000 will be obligated at the time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via solicitations to the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with four proposals received. The Marine Corps Logistics Command, Albany, Georgia, is the contracting activity (M67004-14-C-0029).
    ARMY
    Harry Pepper & Associates, Inc., Jacksonville, Florida, was awarded a $44,953,484 firm-fixed-price contract for the demolition and removal of the existing Herbert Hoover Dike culverts 12 and 2, and the construction of new water control structures S-274 and S-278. Fiscal 2014 other funds in the amount of $44,953,484 were obligated at the time of the award. Work will be performed in Clewiston, Florida, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 8, 2019. Bids were solicited via the Internet with two received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville, Florida is the contracting activity (W912EP-14-C-0025).
    Gilbane Federal, Walnut Creek, California, was awarded a $32,929,672 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a general purpose warehouse at a defense distribution depot in San Joaquin, California. Fiscal 2014 military construction (Army) funds in the amount of $32,929,672 were obligated at the time of the award. Work will be performed in Stockton, California, with estimated completion date of Nov. 8, 2016. Bids were solicited via the Internet with 14 received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento, California is the contracting activity (W91238-14-C-0049).

    Olgoonik Diversified Services, LLC,* Saint Robert, Missouri, was awarded a $24,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for a job order for various minor construction projects within the geographical boundaries of the Little Rock District and Southwestern Division Corps of Engineers. Work and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2017. Bids were solicited via the Internet with 10 received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock, Arkansas, is the contracting activity (W9127S-14-D-0016).
    Nova Group, Inc., Underground Construction, Joint Venture, Napa, California, was awarded a $13,407,419 firm-fixed-price contract for fuel island upgrades at Hunter Army Airfield. Fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2013 military construction (Army) funds in the amount of $13,407,419 were obligated at the time of the award. Work will be done at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, with estimated completion date of March 15, 2016. Bids were solicited via the Internet with four received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah, Georgia the contracting activity (W912HN-14-C-0011).
    Blackhawk enterprise Incorporated*, Waynesboro, Virginia, was awarded a $7,738,213 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to ensure the intelligence production and dissemination software applications and intelligence mission data, technology forecasting, and foreign material management software applications are continually maintained for appropriate security posture. Work and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 4, 2017. Bids were solicited via the Internet with five received. U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command Engineers Charlottesville, Virginia is the contracting activity (W911W5-14-D-0001)
    STG, Inc., Reston, Virginia, was awarded a $7,561,521 modification (P00004) to contract (W911QX-14-F-0019) for nine months of information technology support services, with an options for two one-month periods. Fiscal 2014 operations and maintenance (Army) funds, and research, development, test and evaluation funds, in the amount of $2,575,160 were obligated at the time of the award. Work will be performed in Adelphi, Maryland, with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2015. Bids were solicited with one received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Adelphi, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
    AIR FORCE
    Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co., Sunnyvale, California, has been awarded a $42,880,040 modification (P00003) to previously awarded contract FA8810-13-C-0001 for dual band telemetry, tracking and communications capability for the Space-Based Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbiting 5-6 space vehicles. Contractor will redesign the interfacing, software, power, thermal, and structures to accommodate the new dual band capable transponder box and cabling. This effort also adds a Unified S-Band uplink frequency and modulation scheme to the existing Space to Ground Link System L-Band uplink capability. Work will be performed at Sunnyvale, California, and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2021. Fiscal 2012 missile procurement funds in the amount of $10,673,074 are being obligated at the time of award. Space and Missile System Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, is the contracting activity.
    Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Marietta, Georgia, has been awarded a not-to-exceed $34,721,663 modification (P00270) to previously awarded contract FA8625-11-C-6597 for C-130J Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) acquisition, integration, and installation. Work will be performed at Marietta, Georgia, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2019. This contract involves foreign military sales to the government of Australia. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.
    L-3 Communications-Platform Integration Division, Waco, Texas, has been awarded a $10,092,484 not-to-exceed, undefinitized contract action to provide C-27J aircrew and maintenance training to Australian Air Force personnel. Work will be performed at Waco and Arlington, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2017. This contract involves foreign military sales for the government of Australia. This award is the result of a country directed sole-source acquisition. The 338th Specialized Contracting Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA3002-14-D-0014).
    Sahara Palms, Inc., Fruitland, Utah, has been awarded $7,091,268 firm-fixed price contract for paint bay equipment and renovation. Contractor will procure semi-off-the-shelf equipment and components, merge contractor equipment design with government design and specifications to renovate six existing paint bays to include: supply air fans, heating coils, humidity sections, exhaust fans, environmental controls, motors, and variable frequency drives. Work will be performed at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 5, 2015. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and unlimited offers were solicited; two offers were received. Fiscal 2014 working capital funds in the amount of $7,091,268 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Materiel Command, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8224-14-C-0063).
    DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
    Exelis, Incorporated, Clifton, New Jersey, has been awarded a maximum $15,380,162 cost-plus- fixed-fee contract for form, fit and function replacement of electronic countermeasures sets. This contract was a sole-source acquisition. Location of performance is New Jersey, with a March 3, 2017, performance completion date. Using military service is the Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2014 through fiscal 2017 Air Force working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia (SPRWA1-14-C-0006).
    *Small business
    Most Recent Contracts:

    *Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth + U.S. DoD issued No. CR-170-14 September 5, 2014 
    *Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
    *Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
    *This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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    DTN News - UKRAINE UNREST: Russian-Backed Separatist Militia on The offensive Against Ukrainian Government Forces

    DTN News - UKRAINE UNREST: Russian-Backed Separatist Militia on The offensive Against Ukrainian Government Forces 
    Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources AP Photo/Sergei Grits
    (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 5, 2014: Unmarked military vehicles burn on a country road in the village of Berezove, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014, after a clash between pro-government troops and Russian-backed separatist militia. 


    Separatist rebels have made major strides in their offensive against Ukrainian government forces in recent days, drawing on what Ukraine and NATO says is ample support from the Russian military. 

    *Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources AP Photo/Sergei Grits
    *Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
    *Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
    *This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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    Thursday, September 04, 2014

    DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: A-10 Thunderbolt II Also Known As The Warthog

    DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: A-10 Thunderbolt II  Also Known As The Warthog
    Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Boeing
    (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 4, 2014:  The first flight of the A-10 was in May 1972, and a total of 713 aircraft have since been produced. Over 350 A-10 aircraft are in service with the US Air Force, Air Combat Command, the U.S. Air Force Reserve and the Air National Guard.

    A-10/OA-10 Thunderbolt IIs have excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude, and are highly accurate weapons-delivery platforms. They can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time and operate under 1,000-foot ceilings (303.3 meters) with 1.5-mile (2.4 kilometers) visibility. 

    Their wide combat radius and short takeoff and landing capability permit operations in and out of locations near front lines. Using night vision goggles, A-10/OA-10 pilots can conduct their missions during darkness.

    The single-seat cockpit is protected by all-round armor, with a titanium "bathtub" structure to protect the pilot that is up to 3.8cm thick. The cockpit has a large bulletproof bubble canopy, which gives good all-round vision.


    The A-10 can carry up to six Maverick AGM-65/B/D/G/H/K air-to-surface missiles, and up to four AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.

    The A-10 Thunderbolt II, also known as the Warthog, is a twin-engine aircraft that provides close-air support of ground forces and employs a wide variety of conventional munitions, including general purpose bombs. 


    The simple, effective and survivable single-seat aircraft can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. The aircraft is currently supporting operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

    *Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Boeing
    *Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
    *Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
    *This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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    Wednesday, September 03, 2014

    DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing C-17 Support Effort for Strategic Airlift Capability Exceeds 1,000 Missions

    DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing C-17 Support Effort for Strategic Airlift Capability Exceeds 1,000 Missions
    Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Boeing
    (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 3, 2014: (PÁPA AIR BASE, Hungary) –  Boeing [NYSE: BA] has supported more than 1,000 missions for the Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC) program’s fleet of three C-17 airlifters, achieving a mission capable rate of nearly 94 percent during the five years it has provided maintenance, engineering and spares through a comprehensive performance-based logistics program.


    SAC is a multinational strategic airlift effort involving 10 NATO countries and two countries from the alliance’s Partnership for Peace program. The C-17s are operated by the Heavy Airlift Wing (HAW) at Pápa Air Base in Hungary. Boeing has more than 60 people supporting the effort, and Pápa Air Base was the first location where Boeing provided all C-17 operational maintenance.
    “The Boeing team has been an important member of the SAC family from the start and contributes invaluably to the HAW flying safe missions for the nations,” said Royal Netherlands Air Force Col. Frank Rombouts, commander of the airlift wing.
    Boeing has a large customer base in Central and Eastern Europe and supports more than 6,500 jobs in the region. The company spent nearly $6 million with Tier 1 suppliers in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Romania in 2012, according to Henryka Bochniarz, president of Boeing Central & Eastern Europe.
    A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 56,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

    Contact:
    Dave Sloan
    Global Services & Support
    Office: +1 253-657-8008
    Mobile: +1 206-280-6649
    david.a.sloan@boeing.com
    Katerina Giannini
    International Corporate Communications
    Office: +44 20 7340 1971
    katerina.giannini@boeing.com

    *Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Boeing
    *Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
    *Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
    *This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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    Tuesday, September 02, 2014

    DTN News - UKRAINE UNREST: Russia and NATO Square Off Over Ukraine

    DTN News - UKRAINE UNREST: Russia and NATO Square Off Over Ukraine
    Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources AFP
    (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 2, 2014: (MOSCOW)  Russia vowed on Tuesday to adopt a beefed up new military doctrine over NATO's plans to establish a rapid-response team that could ward off the Kremlin's expansion into Ukraine and feared push further west.

    Moscow's surprise announcement added a new and threatening layer of tensions ahead of NATO's two-day summit that starts on Thursday in Wales and will see Ukraine's beleaguered leader Petro Poroshenko personally lobby US President Barack Obama for military help.

    The Ukrainian president's appeal for European assistance in the face of Russia's alleged dispatch of crack troops into the separatist east of his ex-Soviet country was effectively cast aside by EU leaders meeting over the weekend in Brussels.

    But NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen said in Brussels that the 28-nation alliance would endorse the establishment of a force of "several thousand troops" that could be deployed within "very few days" to meet any perceived Russian military movements in eastern Europe.

    The New York Times reported the rapid-response unit would be supported by new NATO members such as Poland that were once Soviet satellites but now view Russian President Vladimir Putin with fear and mistrust.

    Moscow's answer to NATO's intentions was instant and furious.

    The Russian national security council's deputy secretary Mikhail Popov said the mooted Western defence plan was "evidence of the desire of US and NATO leaders to continue their policy of aggravating tensions with Russia".

    Popov added that Russia's 2010 military doctrine a document that already permits the use of nuclear weapons should national security be considered in grave danger would sharpen its focus on overcoming NATO and its new European missile defence system.

    "I have no doubt that the question of the approach of NATO members' military infrastructure to our border, including by an expansion of the bloc, will remain as one of the foreign military threats to Russia," he said.

    Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said in separate comments that Russia's armed forces would be given added muscle with the deployment of 230 new military helicopters and jets by the end of the year.

    - 'No military solution' -

    Mr Poroshenko convened his own national security and defence council late on Monday to figure out how military leaders could halt their forces' recent retreat from eastern territories they had clawed back at a heavy cost over the preceding four months.

    "The situation is difficult but the Ukrainian fighting spirit is stronger than that of the occupants," Mr Poroshenko said in reference to more than 1,000 Russian soldiers that NATO believes the Kremlin pushed across the Ukrainian border in recent days.

    The press offices of Ukraine's self-declared "anti-terrorist operation" reported "ferocious battles" across the rebel-held eastern industrial regions of Lugansk and Donetsk.

    It accused "terrorists dressed in Russian army uniforms of attacking medical columns of the Ukrainian armed forces that were being used to transport wounded soldiers and were clearly marked."

    Moscow on Monday again denied either sending or planning to deploy troops into eastern Ukraine to help insurgents open a corridor along the Sea of Azov between the Russian border and the Crimea peninsula that the Kremlin annexed in March.

    But top separatist commanders have admitted that some off-duty and vacationing Russian soldiers had already joined their ranks.

    The ominous sense of Moscow and the West digging in for a Cold War-style standoff with unimaginable consequences for global security prompted UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to caution all sides that "there is no military solution" to the crisis.

    "I know the European Union, the Americans and most of the Western countries are discussing very seriously among themselves how to handle this matter," he told reporters during a visit to New Zealand.

    "What is important at this time is that they should know there is no military solution in this. There should be a political dialogue for a political solution, that is the more sustainable way," Ban stressed.

    An inconclusive round of European-mediated talks between Kiev and Moscow envoys and a few separatist leaders concluded in the Belarussian capital Minsk on Monday with no reported progress and a tentative agreement to meeting again on Friday.

    Putin raised the stakes on Sunday by calling on Kiev to discuss establishing actual "statehood" for the two mostly Russian-speaking eastern districts.

    The Kremlin had only urged the decentralisation of Ukraine when Kiev forces were making their most dramatic military advances in the wake of Poroshenko's election as president at the end of May.

    *Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources AFP
    *Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
    *Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
    *This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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