Putin will unlikely use troops in east Ukraine - NATO commander

NATO's top military commander in Europe, Philip Breedlove, has said that the use of Russian troops in east Ukraine is unlikely.

He said this at an arms conference in Ottawa, Canada, Ukrinform reported, citing foreign media.

"Today I would tell you I don't think that's the most likely course of action ... I think now that [Russian President Vladimir] Putin may be able to accomplish his objectives in eastern Ukraine and never go across the border with his forces," the general said.

In his opinion, the Russian president "will continue doing what he's doing - discrediting the government, creating unrest, trying to set the stage for a separatist movement."

Breedlove also said he was confident that there were Russian special forces in eastern Ukraine.