Putin out to seize control of Ukraine, says Kiev defence chief

Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) shakes hands with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in central Moscow, Russia, June 22, 2015. REUTERS/Mikhail Klimentyev/RIA Novosti/Kremlin

KIEV (Reuters) - The West should not drop its guard over Ukraine, the country's defence minister said on Friday, saying a build-up of Russian forces in support of separatists showed President Vladimir Putin was bent on seizing control of the country.

Stepan Poltorak spoke alongside visiting Canadian Defence Minister Jason Kenney as Kiev military chiefs reported intensified attacks by separatists in the east, despite a ceasefire, with another Ukrainian soldier killed.