NATO Sees ‘Significant Buildup’ of Russian Forces in Ukraine -- WSJ

Large Convoys Reported to be Moving Into the Region

BRUSSELS—Russia has sent convoys of tanks, howitzers and other weaponry along with troops into eastern Ukraine in recent days, possibly aiming to consolidate separatist enclaves there in preparation for a long-term standoff, Western observers say.

The new incursions represent a sharp increase in Russia’s presence in the region, posing a significant new challenge to the peace plan signed in early September in Minsk, Belarus.

“This is a severe threat to the cease-fire,” the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said. “Any attempt by separatist forces to seize more territory in eastern Ukraine would be another blatant violation of the Minsk agreement.”

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syrian rebels reject UN's Aleppo truce plan .

Activists: US-led Syria strikes kill at least 860 . U.S., allies conduct 23 air strikes in Syria, Iraq: military .

Kurds gain ground but not control in struggle for Syrian border town .

Iraqi PM sacks 26 army commanders for incompetence and graft .

Explosions in Baghdad leave many dead . Bomb attacks kill 23 people in Iraq .

Shia militia fightback against Isis sees tit-for-tat sectarian massacres of Sunnis .

At least 33 dead in Yemeni clashes, U.S. drone kills seven .

Final deal in Iran nuclear talks unlikely by deadline: sources .

Iran says centrifuge testing, but no violation of atom deal with powers .

Israel says will not cooperate with U.N. Gaza investigation .

Israelis stock up on self-defense weapons 'preparing for attack' .

Turkish protesters rough up US sailors in Istanbul .

ASIA

U.S., China reach new climate, military deals .

New US runway, large military presence focal point of Okinawa election .

Record opium poppy cultivation has 5% of Afghan pop. using heroin .

Man dies in Tokyo after setting himself on fire in protest against defence policy .

UN's Ban calls on Asia to step up Ebola fight .

After Bae release, Christian groups tread carefully in North Korea .

Russia offers to let Kazakhstan oil exports via Ukraine to Europe to hedge risks .

AFRICA

Ebola death toll crosses 5,000 mark .

Mali races to head off Ebola outbreak after second death.

Ebola crisis: Sierra Leone health workers go on strike .

Egyptian navy kills four after boat attack: security sources .

Blasts hit government-held towns in Libya .

Female suicide bomber kills at least one at Nigerian college .

Kenyan police arrest 10 suspected attackers from Somalia .

Sinai buffer zone no solution to militancy in Egypt: Amnesty .

South Sudan’s next generation in a hurry to fight .

EUROPE

UN discusses Ukraine amid deepening crisis .

Russian tanks have entered Ukraine, NATO chief says as Kiev fears rebel surge . NATO: Russian troops in Ukraine now .

Ukraine tells Army to prepare for battle as tensions rise .

Moscow denies NATO allegations of Russian military crossing into Ukraine . Russia denies NATO accusations over troops in Ukraine.

Ukraine crisis: Heavy artillery fire rocks Donetsk.

UN Security Council has urgent meeting on Ukraine .

Azerbaijan shoots down Armenian military helicopter .

Catalan president facing prosecution after independence vote . Spain urges Catalonia to seek constitution reform, not independence.

At least 12 injured in Rome following protests against illegal migrants .

France to vote for symbolic recognition of Palestine - report .

Russia appeals $50bn Yukos verdict .

AMERICAS

Honduras seeks billions from U.S. to curb child migration .

US National Guard on call if Ferguson grand jury decision triggers violence .

Mexico missing case: Attack on governing party offices .

Brazilian police kill six people a day, says report .

Argentina raids banks and financial houses.

U.S. states' pot legalization not in line with international law: U.N. agency .

Arctic blast hits Canada and US .

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Islamic State named world’s wealthiest terror network .

After an errant drone strike in Yemen, a trail of secret meetings and U.S. cash .

Hezbollah might be recruiting Christians to fight against IS: Reports .

UN anti-torture panel grills US officials .

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Space Net: Elon Musk confirms plans to provide global internet from 100’s of satellites .

Five banks fined £2bn by regulators over forex failings .

Regulators fine global banks $3.4 billion in forex probe .

Energy security threatened by rising tensions, says IEA report .