UN chief alarmed by reports of possible escalation in Ukraine

UNITED NATIONS - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday said he is alarmed by reports of fighting in eastern Ukraine, which might mark a "dangerous escalation" in the Ukrainian crisis.

"The international community cannot allow the situation to escalate further nor can a continuation be allowed of the violence and destruction that the conflict has wrought in eastern Ukraine," said Ban's spokesman Stephane Dujarric in reading out a statement here.

According to the statement, the fighting in eastern Ukraine has reportedly spread southward, near the border of the Sea of Azov and the Russian Federation.

"If confirmed, this will mark a dangerous escalation in the Ukrainian crisis," the spokesman stressed.

The UN chief noted the recent talks held in Minsk, Belarus, on August 26, as well as the first official meeting between the Presidents of Ukraine and Russia, and called for continuity of these talks, "with a view to forging a peaceful way out of the conflict."

"All must do their part to contribute to the peaceful resolution of this conflict, in a manner upholding Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," the spokesman said.

The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting at 2 pm Thursday to discuss the Ukraine crisis.