KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine has accused Russia of sending in dozens of tanks and other heavy weapons into Ukraine's rebel-controlled eastern areas.

National Security and Defense Council spokesman Andriy Lysenko said Friday at least 32 tanks, 16 artillery systems and 30 trucks loaded with fighters and ammunition had crossed into eastern Ukraine from Russia. He provided no specific evidence.

Ukraine and the West have continuously accused Moscow of fueling a pro-Russian rebellion in the east with troops and weapons, the accusations that Russia has denied. Russia's Defense Ministry had no immediate comment on Lysenko's statement but earlier it again rejected Western allegations Moscow was deploying more troops near the border.

Ukraine's president has ordered the military to beef up troops on the front line to prevent further losses of territory to the rebel.