Nato members 'start arms deliveries to Ukraine'

Nato countries have started delivering arms to Ukraine to help its soldiers fight pro-Russian separatists in the east, the BBC reported, citing the defense minister.

Valery Heletey did not give details of the weapons being delivered or name the countries involved.

A similar statement earlier was denied by five Nato members, including the US.

Ukraine's prime minister says Nato is the "only vehicle" to protect the country from Russia, which he and the West accuse of intervening in the east.

Moscow has denied sending troops to help pro-Russian rebels who have been engaged in heavy fighting with government forces in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions since April.

At least some 2,600 people have been killed in five months of conflict.

A fragile ceasefire has been in place since 5 September, despite recent outbreaks of violence around key flashpoints such as Donetsk airport.