Ex-MI6 chief warns Ukraine conflict now part of 'much bigger' crisis between Russia and West

A former MI6 chief has reportedly described the Ukraine crisis as "part of a much bigger crisis between Russia and the West.

Sir John Sawers cautioned that the crisis was no longer just about Ukraine but was "much bigger and more dangerous," reported the BBC.

He warned that any attempts by western nations to arm Ukraine would only escalate situation on the ground and may even lead to cyber attacks by Russia against the West.

The statement came as fighting between government troops and pro-Russian rebels continued more than a day after a ceasefire agreement took effect.

European Union leaders had warned Russia against a new wave of sanctions if the new truce deal was not respected.

U.S. President Barack Obama has said that the U.S. is studying the option of providing lethal defensive arms to Ukraine, if diplomacy fails to resolve the conflict.