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KIEV

Prompted in part by the discovery of the body of a Ukrainian politician who appeared to have been tortured, officials in Kiev decided to renew what they call an "anti-terrorist operation" against separatist militias who have seized control of about a dozen public buildings in eastern Ukraine.

The crisis over Ukraine, now in its fourth month, has dragged Russia's relations with the West to their lowest level since the Cold War. A further escalation could lead to damaging economic sanctions, and raises the risk of a disruption to the Russian gas supplies on which Europe depends.

"The corresponding activities will be carried out in the near future, and you will see the results."

He brought a package of aid and urged Russia to curb the separatist militias in the east.

The United States and NATO have made clear they will not intervene militarily in Ukraine. But the Pentagon said it was sending about 600 soldiers to Poland and the three Baltic states for infantry exercises, to reassure NATO allies.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow would respond if its interests, or the interests of Russian citizens were attacked.

Russia justified its intervention in Crimea earlier this year by saying it had to defend Russians living there. In eastern Ukraine some people hold Russian passports.

Lavrov said Moscow has no influence over the pro-Russian militias in eastern Ukraine. He said he suspected Washington was directing the Kiev government's response to the crisis.

Russian gas giant Gazprom has said it will turn off supplies to Ukraine next month unless Kiev pays its outstanding debts. That would have a knock-on effect on deliveries to Europe, because much of the gas shipped westwards has to pass through Ukrainian territory.

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Ukraine re-launches crackdown, says it has U.S. backing