Prime Minister Stephen Harper has told NATO’s top commander he’s worried that Russia is invading Ukraine in “slow motion.”

The P-M’s latest slam at Russian President Vladimir Putin came in a conversation with U-S General Philip Breedlove.

The NATO supreme commander is holding two days of talks in Ottawa with Canadian political and military leaders.

Harper also noted that Canada’s help for Ukraine goes beyond sending troops, planes and a ship to support NATO.

There are  at least 12  people reported dead in fighting today between Ukraine government troops and pro-Russian forces in the city of Slovyansk.