Ukraine gets two US patrol boats amid Russia tensions

Two patrol boats sent by the United States to strengthen the Ukrainian navy arrived Tuesday at the southern port of Odessa amid Western fears that Russia might be plotting to invade its neighbour.

Part of Washington's security aid package, the two Island-class patrol boats arrived at the Black Sea port aboard a cargo ship.

Along with two other vessels of the same type received by Ukraine in 2019, the boats will ensure "the naval security" of Ukraine in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, the defence ministry said in a statement. 

The Black Sea is a sensitive region for Russia, which controls the Crimean peninsula after annexing it from Ukraine in 2014. 

Since then, Kiev has fought a conflict with pro-Russia separatists in the east of the country which has claimed more than 13,000 lives. 

Western countries have this month raised alarm over reported Russian military activity near Ukraine, with the US saying it has "real concerns" over a new troop build-up on the border.

Moscow has dismissed growing Western claims that Russia may be preparing to invade Ukraine.

On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman said the Kremlin was concerned that Ukraine might be getting ready for an offensive in the east. Kiev has denied the claims.

Spokesman Dmitry Peskov also said that any US moves to send more hardware and military advisers to Ukraine would only raise tensions further.

The United States has committed $2.5 billion in support of Ukraine's forces since the conflict with separatists broke out in 2014.