The United States may go beyond its logistical support and provide weapons and equipment to Ukraine as the country confronts Russian-backed militants.

The New York Times reported officials are considering lethal assistance, which is supported by Gen. Philip Breedlove, NATO's military commander, officials said. They said President Barack Obama has yet to make a decision on the matter.

Key administration officials made clear, however, that they are open to new discussions about providing defensive arms and equipment. They include Secretary of State John Kerry, who on Thursday will visit Ukraine's capital, Kiev, with Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff.

National Security Adviser Susan Rice has resisted proposals to provide lethal assistance in recent months. Given the escalating violence, however, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations is now apparently willing to reconsider the matter.

"Although our focus remains on pursuing a solution through diplomatic means, we are always evaluating other options that will help create space for a negotiated solution to the crisis," said Bernadette Meehan, a spokeswoman for the National Security Council.

The Ukrainian government is involved in a fierce battle against pro-Russian separatists. The situation intensified recently after a fragile and largely ineffective ceasefire fell apart, Reuters reported. Authorities in Kiev and envoys representing the rebels on Saturday accused each other of sabotaging planned negotiations, dashing hopes of easing the clashes.

Volodymyr Polyovy, an Ukrainian military spokesman, said 13 soldiers had been killed in the past 24 hours. Other authorities noted there had been 13 civilian casualties.

"Fighting continues across all sections of the frontline," Polyovy said.

In the face of the clashes, sending additional weapons to the region might not be the most appropriate solution, commentator Marcel Michelson said.

"Clearly such a step might give an advantage to the government troops and allow the Kiev-based president ... to seize control of the rebel territory again," Michelson said. "But it would in any case lead to a further escalation of the conflict, with further loss of lives, and could even lead to a military confrontation between NATO and Russia."

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