NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen met with Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk on Thursday to discuss the possibility of the western alliance backing up Ukraine's defense strength amid concerns of a Russian invasion into the region.

The discussion tackled a proposed NATO trust fund intended to support Ukraine's defensive capacities including communications, command and control, and cyber defense, according to a statement by the Kiev government.

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If approved, this will be the fifth fund to be established by NATO to assist Ukraine's defensive capacity.

In June, NATO agreed to set up four funds to cover the development and reformation of Kiev's defense and military institutions including logistics, command and control, and the re-training of retired defense personnel.

Rasmussen's visit comes at a time when Western officials have expressed concern over the likelihood of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Russian combat-ready troops stationed at the border with Ukraine have increased from 12,000 to 20,000 since July, Reuters has learned.

Concerns escalated on Wednesday after Moscow urged the U.N. Security Council to call for an immediate mobilization for assistance in Donetsk and Luhansk, claiming that both regions were "on the brink of a humanitarian disaster."

A Russian offensive under the pretense of humanitarian aid is "a very real option," a U.S. defense official told the New York Times.

Western allies have expressed a desire to support Ukraine's sovereignty as officials from both sides are expected to hold talks during the NATO conference in Wales next month.

Rasmussen said the talks will enhance relations and strengthen NATO's long-standing partnership with Ukraine.

He urged Russia not to wage a war under the pretext of peacekeeping and to instead aim for a "genuine path to peace" through sincere dialogue.

Meanwhile, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu spoke before Russian troops conducting peacekeeping drills in central Russia on Wednesday, The Telegraph reported.

"The world has changed, and it has changed drastically," Shoigu said.

"As you know from previous examples, including in this brigade, peace-keeping units can be called upon unexpectedly."

TagsNATO, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Ukraine, Arseny Yatseniuk, pro-Russia separatists, Russian invasion, Chuck Hagel, Oana Lungescu, Ukraine sovereignty, Russian offensive, Sergei Shoigu