(WASHINGTON TIMES) The Western-backed interim government in Kiev struggled to control mobs of pro-Moscow demonstrators in eastern Ukraine on Tuesday, as congressional Republicans pressed the Obama administration to take more robust action to deter a Russian military invasion of the nation.
While Ukrainian authorities succeeded in retaking control of a key government building in one city near the border with Russia, they had less success elsewhere. U.S. officials believe Moscow is paying the protesters to foment unrest.
The White House has moved in recent weeks to beef up U.S. military support for NATO allies bordering Ukraine. But with fears mounting that Russian President Vladimir Putin may be keen to advance on eastern Ukraine, some are calling for the Obama administration to begin directly arming Ukrainian forces.
