Ukraine rebel leaders ask Russia to fend off ‘aggression’, Kremlin says

A Ukrainian serviceman stands at his position at the line of separation (Evgeny Maloletka/AP)

Rebel leaders in eastern Ukraine have asked Russia for military assistance to fend off the Ukrainian “aggression”, the Kremlin has said.

The appeal raises the prospect of Russia’s direct military involvement in eastern Ukraine amid Western fears that Moscow is poised to launch an all-out invasion of its neighbour.