Ukraine and pro-Russian separatists are staging rival shows of force amidst a growing risk of violent escalation. Ukrainian soldiers moved in to retake government buildings from the separatists on Tuesday, sparking at least one clash in a provincial airfield. Meanwhile, separatists in the town of Kramatorsk seized armored personnel carriers and a tank from the Ukraine army. Ukraine and Russia will be joined by the United States and the European Union for talks beginning Thursday in Geneva. It is the first time Russia and Ukraine’s foreign ministers will meet face to face since the crisis began. At the White House, Press Secretary Jay Carney said the Obama administration backs Ukraine’s incursions to retake buildings from the separatists.

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney: “We appreciate the government’s statements that any actions it undertakes will be gradual and responsible, and we agree that the use of force is not a preferred option. That said, the Ukrainian government has a responsibility to provide law and order, and these provocations in eastern Ukraine are creating a situation in which the government has to respond. The best way to de-escalate this situation is for the armed militants to leave the buildings they have seized.”