NATO Reports 1,000 Russian Troops Present In Ukraine

NATO reported Thursday that satellite images taken of Ukraine indicate 1,000 Russian troops are currently in the country, meaning they have greatly stepped up their military actions against Ukrainian government troops.

"Over the past two weeks we have noted a significant escalation in both the level and sophistication of Russia's military interference in Ukraine," Dutch Brigadier-General Nico Tak, head of NATO's crisis management center, told Reuters from Belgium.

"We assess well over 1,000 Russian troops are now operating inside Ukraine," he continued. "They are supporting separatists (and) fighting with them."

Last week, Russia upset Ukrainian government officials by sending what it described as a humanitarian convoy to help Ukrainian citizens. Although Russia claimed the convoy, which numbered over 100 trucks, was a humanitarian mission, Ukrainian officials argued that the move was an "invasion" because the convoy was not accompanied by the Red Cross.

Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced this week that Russia would be sending a second humanitarian convoy into Ukraine.

"The second humanitarian convoy will be sent soon, and with account for the scale of negative dynamics of the humanitarian disaster development [in Ukraine], the possibility to send a regular batch of humanitarian aid as soon as possible was discussed at yesterday's meeting of the two presidents," Peskov said.

Peskov added that there is an understanding between Ukraine and Russian leaders that peaceful discussions must take place to ensure the livelihood of Ukrainian citizens.

"There is the understanding the dialogue must be continued. The place, date and format are still to be agreed on," Peskov said, adding that it was too early to discuss such details.