Germany Warns Ukraine Rebels Readying for Major Clashes

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Wednesday warned there are signs that pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine are readying for major military clashes with troops of the Western-leaning government.

Steinmeier said there were signs, supported by Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) monitors, of "new movements that indicate that the separatists are preparing for major violent confrontations".

"It makes no sense in this situation in the region to re-arm and to prepare for further military confrontations," he said, speaking at a joint press conference with his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto.

"This helps no-one, and we're losing time -- time we urgently need for the political and especially the economic stabilization of Ukraine," added Steinmeier.

"To now fall back into a military confrontation would harm everyone."

Ukraine said earlier it was readying for fresh combat in the east, fueling fears of a return to all-out conflict despite a two-month-old ceasefire deal which has halted fighting along much of the frontline.

Szijjarto, asked whether Hungary was moving diplomatically too close to Russia, said that while Budapest seeks "healthy" ties with Moscow, it agrees on the need for European unity in face of the crisis.

"Hungary seeks balanced, healthy and pragmatic relations and cooperation with Russia... I think that's the same for all of Europe," he said, according to a German translation.

"At the same time it is obvious that a violation of international law is unacceptable for us and that if someone openly violates international law then the European Union must act jointly and close ranks on this matter."