NOVO-OGARYOVO, Russia - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine on Thursday of sending weapons and military personnel to help Georgia during its war with Russia. The accusation came as Russia announced records of understanding for handling natural gas sales to Ukraine after Putin met with Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who is locked in a political fight with her nation's pro-Western president, Viktor Yushchenko.
The timing of Russia's statements underlined Moscow's drive to increase its leverage in the neighboring Country of Ukraine.