The chances to impose new sanctions against Russia have increased amid continuing unrest in eastern Ukraine, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said on Tuesday.

      “As we see Russia continue to destabilize eastern Ukraine and continue to take steps that are clearly in violation of agreements that they have signed, the risk of further sanctions only increases,” Earnest is quoted to tell journalists during a press briefing.

      Earnest added that the United States was going to continue an intent watching  over the the situation in eastern Ukraine and its development. The press secretary hopes that the eastern Ukrainian crisis will be solved with diplomatic measures, but he also considers the possibility of helping Ukraine with military equipment or toughening santions against the Russians.

      The United States and its allies have already imposed several rounds of economic sanctions targeting Russia's defense, energy and banking sectors, as well as certain individuals, over Moscow's presumable meddling in Ukraine's internal affairs. In its turn, Russia has repeatedly denied any involvement in the situation in Ukraine.