INTERNATIONAL: Britain military aid has arrived in Ukraine on Tuesday , 18 January, including anti-tank weapons to help Kyiv defend itself from a potential invasion during a stand-off with Russia which has massed troops near the Ukrainian border.

Western countries say they fear Russia is preparing a pretext for a new assault on Ukraine, which it invaded in 2014.

Moscow denies any plans for an attack, but has said it could take unspecified military action unless the West agrees to a list of demands, including banning Ukraine from ever joining NATO.

Talks last week ended with no breakthrough. Kyiv has asked Western countries for arms to help it protect itself.

"We have taken the decision to supply Ukraine with light anti-armor defensive weapon systems," British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has told parliament, saying the first anti-tank systems were already delivered on Monday and a small number of British personnel would provide training for a short period of time.

He did not specify the number or type of weapons that were being sent, but said: "They are not strategic weapons and pose no threat to Russia. They are to use in self-defense."

"This will strengthen our forces, this will enhance our defensive capabilities. And I want to stress that this assistance will be used exclusively for self-defense purposes, to protect our troops, to protect critical infrastructure, and to protect civilians," said Ukraine's Deputy Definece Minister for European Integration Anatoliy Petrenko, who came to observe delivery at Kyiv International Boryspol airport on Tuesday.

Britain has previously warned Russia of severe consequences if it launched a new military assault on Ukraine, while offering financing to enhance Ukraine's naval capabilities.