U.S. lawmakers urge tighter sanctions on Russia over Ukraine

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Senior U.S. senators, including Democrat Richard Durbin and Republican John McCain, sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Friday urging that international sanctions on Russia be tightened immediately over its support for separatists fighting in Ukraine.

The letter, obtained by Reuters, also said it is time to provide defensive weapons to the Kiev government. It said Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to capture more Ukrainian territory.