The United States is considering plans to train soldiers in the Ukrainian army in the next few months.

The United States is considering plans to train soldiers in the Ukrainian army in the next few months, the US army's most senior commander in Europe said Monday.

The move would expand a US training program already under way for troops working under the Ukrainian interior ministry.

Ukraine has deployed some 64,000 soldiers to its eastern conflict zone as well as interior ministry forces.

"We would begin ministry of defense army units (training) starting in November" said Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, commander of US Army Europe, adding that "the final decision has not been taken."

The training would focus on basic tactical activities, with an emphasis on life-saving techniques and operations in highly contested areas, he said.

US allies in Europe must still agree to the plan, Hodges said.

Ukraine has waged a 15-month war against Russian-backed eastern insurgents, in a conflict that has claimed more than 6,500 lives.