Kremlin says Ukraine may use force to reclaim rebel regions

Russian president Vladimir Putin (Grigory Sysoev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Russia has voiced concerns about what it describes as the belligerent rhetoric of the Ukrainian leadership, saying it raised concerns about a possible escalation of fighting in a separatist conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Ukrainian and Western officials have been concerned about a Russian troop buildup near Ukraine, fearing it could herald an invasion.