Washington, April 18 (RHC)-- The administration of U.S. President Barack Obama says it will send more “non-lethal” military aid to the new Western-backed government of Ukraine amid increasing tensions between the country and neighboring Russia.

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said he had called Ukraine's acting defense minister to tell him that President Obama has approved additional non-lethal military assistance for what he called "health and welfare items and other supplies." The military equipment reportedly includes medical supplies, helmets, sleeping mats and water purification units.

The Pentagon chief made the remarks during a news conference after talks with Polish Defense Minister Tomasz Siemoniak. Hagel also announced that the U.S. would keep aircraft in Poland "at least until the end of the current year."

The U.S. decision followed an announced that NATO has plans to increase its military presence in eastern Europe "within days" by sending more ships, planes and troops to the region.

This comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday admitted that the mutual ties between Moscow and Washington have been damaged due to “double standards and lies" of the other side. The Russian president added that Washington criticizes Moscow over the situation in Ukraine while the U.S. launched wars on several countries including Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya in recent years.